Artist: Beach House Album: Bloom

Year: 2012
Duration: 50:08

Bloom by Beach House: A Review of the Dream Pop Album

Beach House, comprised of Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally, is a band known for their distinct dream pop sound. Their 2012 album Bloom is widely considered one of their best. The album was a commercial and critical success, and it helped skyrocket the band's popularity. In this review, we'll delve deeper into this iconic album, exploring the band's history, the genre of the album, the best songs, the most innovative parts, and our overall take on Bloom.
Beach House formed in 2004 in Baltimore, Maryland, and they quickly gained a reputation for their unique sound, combining ethereal vocals with intricate instrumentation. They released several albums before Bloom, including their self-titled debut, Devotion, and Teen Dream, which earned them critical acclaim. Bloom builds upon their signature style, with lush soundscapes and Victoria Legrand's haunting vocals creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
Bloom falls under the dream pop genre, which originated in the 1980s. It's characterized by the use of atmospheric sounds and hazy, dreamlike vocals. Beach House takes this genre to the next level, incorporating elements of shoegaze and indie rock into their sound. Each song on Bloom is like a journey into a different world, with ethereal synths and guitars weaving together to create a surreal experience.
One of the standout tracks on Bloom is Majorette, which opens with a steady beat before Legrand's vocals come in, layering on top of the synths and guitars. The song builds to a powerful crescendo, with Legrand's voice reaching new heights. Another highlight is Wishes, which features Scally's intricate guitar work and Legrand's emotive vocals. The song's chorus is unforgettable, with Legrand repeating I want it all as the synths and guitars swirl around her.
What's truly innovative about Bloom is how Beach House manages to create a cohesive album while still allowing each song to stand on its own. Each track is a masterpiece in its own right, yet they all come together to create an ethereal dreamscape. The album evokes feelings of nostalgia and longing, as if you're stuck in a dream that feels familiar yet just out of reach.
While Bloom is certainly a strong album, it's not without its flaws. Some of the later tracks on the album feel a bit repetitive, blending together in a way that makes it hard to distinguish between them. Additionally, some listeners might find the dream pop genre to be a bit too esoteric, with its emphasis on atmosphere rather than traditional song structures.
Overall, Bloom by Beach House is a must-listen for any fan of dream pop or indie rock. The album is a stunning work of art, with its lush soundscapes and haunting vocals creating an immersive experience. While it's not perfect, with some tracks feeling a bit repetitive, it's still a landmark album in the genre. Bloom solidified Beach House's status as one of the most acclaimed dream pop bands of all time, and it's a testament to their incredible talent and unique vision.