Talk about conformists! Beach House’s latest song Norway – more Scandinavian musical inspiration! - does nothing to dispel the ‘dream pop’ description that the Baltimore duo have long been given. It’s a tremulous, nicely-layered slowburn of a song, punctuated by gentle vocal hums and busy guitars, and founded as usual of Victoria Legrand’s piercing voice. She’s often likened to Nico, but there’s something of Patti Smith for me too – a much deeper, fuller sound than most female singers offer.
This all matters to a London blog because Beach House are due in our beloved smoghole early in 2010, in support of third album, Teen Dream, released 26 January through Sub Pop, following on from first single Used To Be (video below). First up is a date at the Bush Hall in Queen’s Park on Wednesday 17 February (tickets here), and then two nights supporting the fabulous Grizzy Bear at the equally fabulous Roundhouse on Saturday 13 March and Sunday 14 March, of which only the latter is still available (tickets here). One song you’ll definitely hear at some point is Slow Life - a Grizzly tune featuring Victoria Legrand’s singing talents. The two acts in such an atmospheric arena really ought to equate to a great night.
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MP3: Beach House – Norway
MP3: Grizzly Bear – Slow Life (Feat. Victoria Legrand)