Matching the hypnotic allure of
Nico and
Mazzy Star's
Hope Sandoval,
Beach House sorceress
Victoria Legrand croons "Love you all the time/even though you're not mine" on "Saltwater," the stunning album opener to the band's self-titled debut, and such simple words never sounded so lovely. Joining
Legrand is her childhood friend
Alex Scally, who delivers spellbinding instrumentation throughout these nine heavy-hearted melodies. It's their sound as a whole that really makes
Beach House an interesting listen;
Legrand's vocals tread so lightly throughout, making it easy to get lost in the gossamer beauty of the band's work, particularly on "Tokyo Witch" and "Auburn and Ivory." Tightly woven arrangements of organs, percussion, and guitars (which recall the work of
Legrand's uncle, famed French composer
Michel Legrand) delicately waltz around her haunting presentation, while the golden slumbers of "Apple Orchard" and "Lovelier Girl" offer a sweetly psychedelic sound. The exquisiteness of
Beach House's debut album should not go unnoticed -- it's one of the most mystical indie pop surprises to arrive in 2006. ~ MacKenzie Wilson