ALBUM: Beach House 'Depression Cherry'

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Depression Cherry is the fifth full-length album from established alternative Baltimore duo Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally – aka Beach House. The pair state that “Depression Cherry is a colour, a place, a feeling, an energy” – something which is reflected in the ambient, melodic, wistful delivery of sounds on each of the nine tracks.

Opener ‘Levitation’ fulfils Beach Houses’ promise of “a return to simplicity”, with an emphasis on melodic synths and minimal drums. It drifts effortlessly in to ‘Sparks’ which hosts an echoic intro, and smooth vocals. The lyrics to ‘Beyond Love’ are cautious and thoughtful – “They take the simple things inside you and put nightmares in your hands”- Legrand & Scally seem comfortable amongst the uncomfortable, and on Depression Cherry they are able to turn moments of sadness in to conflicted, yet soothing electronic lullabies.

’10:37′ is a slow-builder with ethereal vocals and simplistic synths. The track is an example of Beach House’s determination to stay true to their ambition as a band, which is to let themselves “evolve while fully ignoring the commercial context” in which they exist. ‘Wildflower’ adds further ambience to this collection of aural medicine, alongside ‘Bluebird’, which is similar in style and laced with romantic lyricism – “I would not ever try to capture you”.

‘Days of Candy’ closes the bitter-sweet experience that is Depression Cherry, but it leaves no sour taste behind. Stripped back, with an emphasis on ethereal vocals and atmospheric synths; Beach House’s latest offering is sure to please both existing fans, and those looking for a new set of twisted lullabies to dream to.

Depression Cherry is released on 28.08.15 via Bella Union.