“Do I need another album from this band? When I’m in the mood for what they bring, can’t I just put on what I already have?” – Pitchfork
Yes, yes, you do.
With Teen Dream, Beach House have produced their third full-length record and debut album with their new love affair, Sub Pop. After their 2006 debut, which seemed to just be another nail in the coffin of indie-indie-indie in hindsight, and 2008′s follow-up ‘Devotion’, Teen Dream is proving to be a step into a slightly different direction. There’s a quite strongly sensible update from the previous ‘second-hand shop drum machine meets cloudy female vocalist’ to a rather adult, though hungover, grandure sounding religion.
With Victoria LeGrands vocals having suffered the ‘French’ treatment (overpriced fags and gallons of wine) and now flaring a rather sensual rasp, and Alex Scally’s pinching, almost twitchy, guitar sounds, generally covering most corners of the spectrum of sound, album-opener ‘Zebra’ is a very comforting glide into the beauty that is Teen Dream. Although sliding from left to right like a chair on ice, it’s the unpredictable pitch in this first song that gives a hint of what there’s yet to come.
‘Norway’ is probably the most hit-ish track on the album and is slightly reminiscent of Fleet Foxes, yet the pitch fading guitar parts are confusing and confounding at the same time. LeGrand’s vocals are above-par and the mono-tone drowning of the constant synth sound provide important bytes in this magical carpet of sound.
Concerning my favourite track on this record, ‘Used to be’, I’ve attempted a proper write up – but failed after about 4 words as it is quite literally indescribable what I think of this song.. I’m aware of the fact that this doesn’t exactly show strength, but I hope it intrigues people enough to give it a listen at the same time 
Although tempted, I shall restrain myself from referring to the several other gems that are featured on this record. But please, do take notice of the term ‘gem’ as this is not a term to be thrown around loosely.
Teen Dream is the album that shows that the days of an adult Beach House have arrived. It shows a distinctive and original sound and that’s absolutely fine. In all honestly, it’s more then fine: it’s a dream come true.
and yes, that line made me slightly sick myself, but I’m going to leave it in there nevertheless.
