As a lover of all things indie and alternative, I find Beach House to be a continuous creator of all things study music, and their most recent album Depression Cherry is no different. From abstract crooning lyrics that you can’t quite understand, to an instrumental melody that sounds like a dream, this album is one to add to your study list.
According to iTunes, the most popular song on the album is “Space Song,” though I much prefer the opening track titled “Levitation.” This song hits me right in the feels as I sense the longing for a lover and the intense emotions toward the person. I think the reason I like this song so much is because the lazy organ chords in the background really sound like a choir of angels, adding to that intense feeling of Nirvana, only experienced when falling in love.
Another song on the album that stood out to me was the song “Sparks.” This song embodies the usual sad song vibes the band is known for, but adds waves of exhilarating guitar in a way that is subtly yet viciously superb. These in-your-face riffs are out of character for Beach House, but showcase another dimension to the multi-faceted album.
Though I could talk about the uniqueness of every song on the album, and the way it adds to the set, the last song I will discuss is “Bluebird.” The intro somehow reminds me of the song “Reflection” from “Mulan.” It made this track stand out with a nature vibe that really made me want to go sit on a cliff over a lake somewhere at sunset. Victoria Legrand’s luxurious vocals over this track also make me want to fall asleep under the stars. Her voice is so succulent and rich, I actually feel like I’m dreaming; this goes for the whole album.
The only problem I have with this record, is that it sounds the same. All of Beach House’s albums have given me that dreamlike sad song vibe. Not that I don’t love it, but I wish they would change their style just a little bit. I wouldn’t want them to lose their smoothness, but I would like to hear something fresh in the instrumentation of the whole album, much like the song “Sparks” touches on.
Overall, I think Depression Cherry is killer. I love how Beach House always seems to make sad songs sound depressingly happy. I wouldn’t say they knocked it out of the park, but it was definitely a line drive that hit just below the top of the wall. I think a little change in instrumentation would’ve sent this album skyrocketing into the seats.
Grade: B
