Beach House
Biography
Beach House is an American dream pop duo formed in Baltimore, Maryland in 2004. The band consists of Victoria Legrand (vocals, keyboards) and Alex Scally (guitar, keyboards, backing vocals). Their sound is often characterized by hazy, atmospheric melodies, Legrand's distinctive vocals, and Scally's shimmering guitar work.
History
Formation and Early Years (2004–2009)
Legrand and Scally met in Baltimore's indie rock scene in 2004 and quickly began writing music together. They released their self-titled debut album, "Beach House," in 2006 to critical acclaim, establishing their signature dream pop sound. This was followed by their second album, "Devotion," in 2008, which further solidified their place in the indie music landscape.
Breakthrough and Acclaim (2010–2017)
The duo achieved a significant breakthrough with their third album, "Teen Dream," in 2010, which received widespread critical praise and expanded their audience. Their fourth album, "Bloom" (2012), continued this success, debuting at number seven on the Billboard 200 chart. In 2015, Beach House released two full-length albums: "Depression Cherry" and "Thank Your Lucky Stars." "Depression Cherry" saw the band returning to a more simplified sound with a focus on melody, while "Thank Your Lucky Stars" was described as a companion piece with a different, darker tone. In 2017, they released a compilation album of B-sides and rarities.
Recent Years and Evolution (2018–Present)
Their seventh album, titled "7," released in 2018, marked a sonic departure for the band, incorporating more pronounced and experimental sounds while still retaining their core aesthetic. This evolution continued with their eighth studio album, "Once Twice Melody," an 18-track double album released in four chapters in 2022. For the first time, touring drummer James Barone was listed as a full member of the band.
Musical Style
Beach House's music is most often described as dream pop and indie rock. Key elements of their sound include Legrand's ethereal vocals and keyboard melodies, Scally's arpeggiated guitar lines, and the use of drum machines. While their early work was more lo-fi, their sound has grown to incorporate more complex textures and arrangements over the years. The band has cited a wide range of influences and are known for their immersive and atmospheric live performances.
Discography
Studio Albums
- Beach House (2006)
- Devotion (2008)
- Teen Dream (2010)
- Bloom (2012)
- Depression Cherry (2015)
- Thank Your Lucky Stars (2015)
- 7 (2018)
- Once Twice Melody (2022)