Album Review: Beach House - Bloom

The fourth album from Baltimore duo Beach House is making waves even before its release. With single Lazuli listed this month as one of Pitchfork's Best New Tracks, Bloom builds on the robust, ethereal vocals of leading lady Victoria Legrand and the musical profundity provided by Alex Scally.

Most likely a result of being crafted on the road over two years of touring, the album oozes spontaneity and sincerity. The sound has matured from 2010's Teen Dream and now embodies an element of seriousness not previously present. Giving entirely to individual reflection, the album's overarching themes consider death as it relates to life, and the constantly challenged fragility of our existence. Bloom thus induces contemplation with seamlessly interlaced layers and refreshing effects. Legrand's vocals are as more-ish and rich as ever, and seem to soak up the melodies. There's no lack of versatility in any component of the album, and songs move smoothly from dreamy to haunting throughout. The track titles are as telling of life's quandaries and vulnerability as the lyrics that attempt to explore them. Scally has noted that many tracks were cut from the album during production as they “lacked a place within our vision,” and the album is definitely a unified expedition, taking listeners on a fluid journey, one that lacks no depth or experimentation. Singles Myth and Lazuli will hopefully soon be accompanied by memorable tracks Wild and Wishes on radio high-rotation lists.

While Legrand suggests that Bloom, like the budding of new plant life, is “only temporary,” it seems unlikely that the band's efforts on this album will be so fleeting, and they've certainly created a sound fit for all seasons.