Beach House - Bloom

Since 2004, the dreamy Baltimore indie pop band Beach House has been capturing listeners with their dreamy atmosphere. "Bloom" is no exception. The album begins with the entrancing "myth", encompassing the listener with repetitive guitar rhythms, ethereal vocals, and light drum fills. The album continually casts a light aromatic and incense filled haze over the listener. "Wild" crafts a similar dreamy sound that quietly lists into infinity as it progresses. "Lazuli" begins with a simple music box style rhythm, but like a traditional Beach House song, evolves into much more. Simple beats and riffs magically fuse and craft the perfect surreal yet melancholy atmosphere that Beach House fans have come to love.

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Silversun Pickups - Neck of the Woods

Silversun's third album "Neck of the Woods" crafts a sublime and mysterious environment, while retaining the classic Silverun sound. The listing and occasionally exploding contrasts shake the listener, and song constructions and executions are reminiscent of classic "shoegazing" bands like The Velvet Underground and Sonic Youth. Even with the influence from these highly regarded bands, the Silversun Pickups craft their own unique atmosphere with every track. Skin Graph opens with a haunting atmosphere,punctuated with refined guitar rhythms, and the unique vocals of Brian Aubert. Jacknife Lee's precise string and organ drones further evolve the albums mysterious and driving atmosphere, something that was missing on their previous work. Unlike previous Silversun albums, Neck of the Woods crafts a delicate environment. Tracks ebb and flow,only exploding at just the right moments.The perfect melodic executions invite the listener for a stay before the classic Silversun thrashing returns.It is easily one of the best independent rock albums this year.

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