Ahh, the heady days of 2012, back when I first started this very blog! And in fact, I started by writing a review for one of my favorite albums from the year prior to that one, Beirut's The Rip Tide. That album was a bit conflicting for Beirut fans, however, who thought that it strayed too far from the groups earlier, more heady work, in favor of a more direct pop sound; a move I though really complimented the songwriting.
Now it's been about four years and we're finally getting a new album from these guys! And from the very first moments that the track "Gibraltar" kicks in, it is evident that Beirut is playing with a very familiar deck of cards, and that anyone who did not enjoy The Rip Tide need not apply here.
But, the real question is, is this album even worth listening to for the simple fact that it sounds a lot like their last album? In my opinion, yes, this album is well worth a listen, and that's simply because the songs here are really good. Sure, there aren't any major shifts in direction here, but pretty much every track on here is enjoyable, and even lovable at times, a quality that I've found most Beirut songs to possess.
Again, I want to mention the track "Gibraltar" which opens up the album. This track is simply beautiful, and has a really nice bouncy sound to it, and the title track features the kind of woozy romanticism that these guys always do so well.
Other highlights are the contemplative "At Once" and the jangly "Perth". In fact, I found myself enjoying every single track here, though some more than others. For example, I wasn't 100% into the instrumental track here; not that the band can't pull an instrumental track off, but the one on display here isn't one of their most impressive, for sure.
Really, the only things I can really criticize this album for is that it doesn't do anything that sticks out in my mind. It is pleasant and dreamy, but also deals with things like heartbreak and the struggles therein. However, since it is all so light and laid back, I don't feel the need to dig very deep into the lyrics. I understand that this album is coming after some heavy life drama for lead-singer and band mastermind, Zach Condon, but he seems to be using this album as a way to put the past behind him, instead of putting it all on display.
Luckily, we the listeners got a pretty enjoyable album out of it.
7.8/10
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