BEACH HOUSE is back with their second album on Sub Pop & if you thought they couldn't top the last one, you might have been wrong because "Bloom" is rock solid. The Baltimore discovered something really great over the past few albums & they seem to realize that & they don't really stray too far from the BEACH HOUSE that we all know & love. The songs do seem to be a little more uplifting & maybe less sombre but that aching sadness that seems to hover over all of their music is still there, as if COCTEAU TWINS tackled some ABBA covers. Another amazing release from one of the best bands going today.

Consider "Devotion," BEACH HOUSE's 2008 sophomore effort to be a direct continuation from where their eponymous debut. The soft chiming together of the duo that make the band, ALEX SCALLY and VICTORIA LEGRAND are more similar to church songs or lullabies than piop tunes. The reverbed vocals, minimal beat machinery, and haunting guitar effects form what fans of the self- titled release have become comfortable and enamored with. There may be lyrical deviation on "Devotion," but BEACH HOUSE has managed to hold tight to their musical themes that have worked so well already. There is some growth, possibly even some songs with upbeat rhythms. This is a perfect companion to your BROADCAST, MAZZY STAR, or CAT POWER's "Moon Pix" albums.

2010 release from the mighty BEACH HOUSE, picking up where their '08 smash 'Devotion' left off. This time, in addition to the hypnotic religious quality to the voices and the delicate instrumentation, they've added some insistent drumming and urgency to the singing. Perhaps touring with rock bands influenced them to kick it up a notch - whatever it did, it forced a climate change in songwriting and playing - this record feels like you've listened to it your whole life. To say that it is instantly enjoyable is an understatement. GET IT NOW! Also included is a DVD with videos to every song, with a different director on each one.