And in another, it feels like the work of a completely different band.
In one sense, 'Beacon' is not entirely dissimilar to its predecessor. Furthermore, Trimble now has absolutely no issue supplying tunes of varying tempo and style, as exemplified by the jazzy 'Sun', tropical sounding 'The World Is Watching' and the verging on ambience of 'Settle'. All the while, lead vocalist Alex Trimble now delivers an assured croon, rather than over-relying on his near-falsetto, which had previously strayed off-key on occasions. Most importantly, those guitars merge seamlessly with synths and a sublimely subtle use of horns to the point of sounding completely natural, while the beats - whether programmed or via live drumming - constantly hit hard. This means more importance is placed on crafting Beacon's melodies, with numerous tunes carrying a danceable quality which not only makes it difficult for listeners to keep still, but does so in a manner that does not batter them with repetition and monotony.Īnd what of that jangly, angular dual guitar-work of Sam Halliday and Alex Trimble which captured the attention so satisfyingly on 'Tourist History'? Well, they initially appear to have been dialed down markedly, but in reality are still omnipresent, playing their role within the fuller sound evident here. What has noticeably been adjusted this time around is the tempo, with only 'Someday' replicating the upbeat and urgent energy of 'Tourist History'.
However, that incorrect notion would be ignoring the debut's value-adding latter half synth infusion. Strikingly beginning with exaggerated electronics, many could be forgiven for thinking that Lee has influenced the trio to have made the switch to chart-baiting electro-pop. In attempting to avoid the notorious "second album blues", Two Door Cinema Club choose not to reinstate Eliot James (Kaiser Chiefs) as producer, instead utilizing the services of Jacknife Lee (U2, Silversun Pickups), whose crisp, spot-on production is undoubtedly a strength of 'Beacon'. On the flip-side, the review for the Northern Irish outfit's follow-up 'Beacon' almost writes itself: a wise and predictably executed record in all the right ways. As one-dimensional as it was catchy, a delicate balance was necessary to communicate both its lack of diversity, yet thoroughly delightful nature. Single 'I Can Talk' may have contained an opening refrain which sounded like a five year old had forgotten the remaining three vowels, but it was difficult not to chant along to its "I-O-I-I-O" hook. While one could easily argue that it was a one-trick pony, that equine was one hell of a charming and infectious one. Review Summary: A wise and predictably executed follow-up in all the right ways.įor any reviewer required to provide a numerical rating - and with a preference to write something a little more detailed than a three sentence blurb - Two Door Cinema Club's likeable, if overly familiar, indie-pop debut LP 'Tourist History' was a frustrating assignment.
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