I've Had The Time Of My Life

Beach Fossils – What a Pleasure

Just when you thought we’d lost classic indie music to the thumping synths of drum and bass over the last few years, Beach Fossils come to the rescue with a simply brilliant new EP.

Not content with just another indie record to be listened to, acknowledged and dismissed all in one week, lead singer Dustin Payseur clearly took his time over this album. ‘What a Pleasure’ is wonderfully complete. The harmonies and melodies intertwine amongst each other like teenager lovers alone for the first time. The music cradles the wistful and romantic lyrics into a delicate yet dynamic record. Each song ties into the next and by the last track of the EP, ‘Adversity’ links right back round to the opening track ‘Moments’. The composition of the instruments is classy and mature which, in short, makes for complex and beautiful album. Kudos to Dustin for creating a symphony with two guitars and a drum kit.

There are hints of Field Mice and even the XX in the new, more focused sound offered by Beach Fossils since their last album. Wild Nothing also feature on the track ‘Out In The Way’ and they have clearly influenced Beach Fossils in honing their sound into the delight it’s become.

At just 21 minutes the EP is over way too soon. Like the fleeting romances Payseur is crooning about, each track is short, impressionable and infatuating. You find yourself getting absorbed by the music as you float away with the lyrics into daydreams of lazy summer days. Dustin’s melancholy voice creates stark contrast to the benign and charming lyrics, “the sun lights the room because we talked all night.” The juxtaposition works so well – it adds another enchanting layer to this opus.

What I personally love about this record is how honest and simple it is. It’s not trying too hard nor is it covered up with ridiculous outfits or accompanied by a stupid dance routine. It’s just great music. And that’s what it’s all about isn't it? The reason we listen and search through hundreds of albums is to find glimpses of genius and something which you really connect with. So when you land upon those special records they stay with you. And this totally does it for me this album.

What a pleasure indeed.

Check it out here:

Beach Fossils New Album

And the published version here:
http://www.rhythmcircus.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=868:beach-fossils-what-a-pleasure&catid=48:cd-reviews&Itemid=124

Rx