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Beach House

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Band Timeline

2004

Formation of Beach House

Beach House was formed in Baltimore in 2004 by Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally. Both were recently graduated from Vassar College and Oberlin College respectively, and they met within the city's indie rock scene. The duo chose their band name spontaneously, reflecting their sound and aesthetic. Their work would come to be known for a hypnotic dream pop style built around keyboards, guitar, and atmospheric production. Starting as a two-member group provided them with a tight creative dynamic, allowing them to produce music that felt intimate and compelling.
2006

Release of Debut Album 'Beach House'

In 2006, Beach House released their self-titled debut album through Carpark Records after recording the album on a 4-track recorder over just two days in Scally's basement. The album, showcasing a dreamy and melancholic sound marked by organ, guitar, and reverb-heavy vocals, received critical acclaim. Its track "Apple Orchard" was featured on a Pitchfork MP3 mixtape in August 2006, and by October the album had gained significant recognition, including ranking 16th on Pitchfork's Best Albums of 2006 list. This release established Beach House as a key act within the indie dream pop scene.
2008

Release of Second Album 'Devotion'

Beach House followed their debut with the release of their second studio album, 'Devotion', on February 26, 2008. Continuing to develop their signature dream pop sound, the album was also met with widespread critical praise and was included in Pitchfork's Best Albums of 2008. During this period, Beach House released the single "Used to Be" and recorded a notable cover of Queen's "Play the Game" for the 2009 charity compilation 'Dark Was The Night.' This era marked the band's steady growth in the indie music scene and demonstrated their evolving musical depth.
2009

Collaborations and Expanded Recognition

In 2009, Victoria Legrand contributed backing vocals to several projects outside Beach House, most notably with the indie rock band Grizzly Bear on songs including 'Two Weeks' and 'Slow Life,' the latter for the 'Twilight: New Moon' soundtrack. These collaborations helped raise Beach House's profile within the broader indie music community. Additionally, the band prepared for their upcoming third album by maintaining their unique style while engaging in socially conscious work, exemplified by their involvement with the Yellow Bird Project charity T-shirt in 2010.
2010

Release of Third Album 'Teen Dream'

'Teen Dream', Beach House's third studio album, was released on January 26, 2010, through Sub Pop Records in the US, with additional releases in the UK and Mexico. The album featured polished production by Chris Coady, adding a dynamic intensity to their languid dream pop sound. Singles such as "Norway" and a revamped version of "Used to Be" gained attention, and music videos for "Silver Soul" and "Real Love" were released. 'Teen Dream' received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and sonic clarity, solidifying the band's reputation and expanding their fanbase.
2012

Release of Fourth Album 'Bloom'

Beach House released their fourth studio album, 'Bloom,' in 2012. This album marked further maturation in their sound, featuring lush arrangements and refined songwriting. 'Bloom' was celebrated by critics and fans alike for its ethereal quality and dreamlike atmosphere. It reinforced Beach House's status as pioneers in dream pop, combining accessibility with artistic depth. The album was accompanied by extensive touring, further increasing their international acclaim and influence in indie music circles.
2015

Dual Releases: 'Depression Cherry' and 'Thank Your Lucky Stars'

In 2015, Beach House surprised fans by releasing two albums within months of each other: 'Depression Cherry' in August and 'Thank Your Lucky Stars' in October. Both albums explored different nuances of their dreamy aesthetic, with 'Depression Cherry' focusing on a warm, intimate sound and 'Thank Your Lucky Stars' offering a more sparse and mysterious atmosphere. The dual release showcased their prolific creativity and willingness to experiment within their genre. These works were accompanied by tours and further solidified their impact on the dream pop scene.
2018

Release of Seventh Album '7'

In 2018, Beach House released their seventh studio album, aptly titled '7.' This album continued their exploration of expansive, textured dream pop music. '7' was noted for its richer production and adventurous sonic palette, incorporating more synth layers and a wider range of sounds. Fans and critics praised the album for its ambitious scope and artistic growth. It was followed by a tour that highlighted their evolution as a live act, underscoring their enduring presence in the indie music landscape.
2022

Release of 'Once Twice Melody'

In 2022, Beach House released 'Once Twice Melody,' an extensive and ambitious project showcasing their continued innovation within the dream pop genre. This album featured expansive arrangements and continued the lush, atmospheric style for which they are known. The release was met with critical acclaim and demonstrated the band's sustained relevance and artistic vitality nearly two decades after their formation. 'Once Twice Melody' reinforced Beach House's standing as key contributors to contemporary indie music, continuing to evolve their sound while honoring their distinctive style.

Albums

beach-house_1st_album
Beach House
9 tracks
2006
beach-house_2nd_album
Devotion
11 tracks
2007
beach-house_3rd_album
Teen Dream
10 tracks
2010
beach-house_4th_album
Bloom
10 tracks
2012
beach-house_5th_album
Depression Cherry
9 tracks
2015
beach-house_6th_album
Thank Your Lucky Stars
9 tracks
2015
beach-house_7th_album
7
11 tracks
2018
beach-house_8th_album
Once Twice Melody
4 tracks
2022
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Victoria Legrand

N/A

Alex Scally

N/A

Story of Beach House

Beach House: Masters of Dream Pop

Beach House, the American indie rock duo, emerged from the Baltimore music scene in 2004. Victoria Legrand (vocals, keyboards) and Alex Scally (guitar, keyboards, backing vocals, drum programming) formed a sonic partnership that would become synonymous with a mesmerizing brand of dream pop. Their music, characterized by ethereal soundscapes and hypnotic melodies, has captivated audiences worldwide.

Their debut album, aptly titled Beach House, dropped in 2006 to critical acclaim. Since then, they have released a string of critically lauded albums that have solidified their status as indie rock giants. Devotion (2008), Teen Dream (2010), Bloom (2012), Depression Cherry (2015), Thank Your Lucky Stars (2015), 7 (2018), and Once Twice Melody (2022) have all showcased their evolution as songwriters and musicians, consistently pushing boundaries and captivating listeners with their unique sonic signature.

The Name Game:

The band's name came about rather organically. After exploring countless options that attempted to capture their otherworldly sound, they stumbled upon "Beach House" during a brainstorming session. The name, simple and evocative, seemed to perfectly embody their sound and vibe. The story goes that they were already working on a song called "House on the Hill," and the combination of the two seemed almost destined. "Beach House" it was, a fitting name for a band that creates such dreamy, seaside-inspired music.

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