Beach House – Bloom

Review

"Bloom," Beach House’s fourth studio album, released on May 15, 2012, swirls with dreamy, romantic enchantment, merging nostalgia with an inexpressible beauty that marks the duo’s maturation. Victoria Legrand’s ethereal contralto and Alex Scally’s gleaming arpeggios stretch into a universe of shimmering soundscapes, transforming from the intimate intricacies of bedroom pop to the grandeur of stadium-ready anthems. Legrand’s vocals, languid and full of soul, seem to stretch each word into a mellifluous sigh, harmonizing seamlessly with Scally’s deft guitar play to form a lush, sonorous realm.

Reflecting on the bittersweet echoes of youth and the sweeping power of nostalgia, "Bloom" builds on the momentum of the previous album, "Teen Dream," refining its essence with tighter, more resonant songwriting. Tracks like “Wild” and “Troublemaker” breathe life into teenage reveries of idle days and fragmented homes, while “Wishes” unfolds as a quietly spectacular tapestry of longing and remembrance. The synergy between Legrand and Scally crafts an atmosphere that is both expansive and profoundly intimate, making "Bloom" a testament to Beach House’s evolved artistry and their splendid, luminescent journey forward. - Ariana

Artist Bio

Beach House is a dream pop and indie rock duo from Baltimore, Maryland, formed in 2004 by Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally. They started releasing music in 2006 with their self-titled debut on Carpark Records and later moved to Sub Pop, building a discography of eight albums as of 2025, including *Teen Dream*, *Bloom*, and *Once Twice Melody*. Known for their lush, atmospheric soundscapes and hypnotic vocals, Beach House has been recognized internationally, with their album *7* earning a Swedish GAFFA Award nomination. They’ve worked mainly with Carpark, Sub Pop, and Bella Union, maintaining a unique blend of melancholic and dreamy music. Fans of bands like Slowdive, Mazzy Star, and Cigarettes After Sex will likely enjoy their sound.