Two Door Cinema Club- Beacon (31/08/2012- Kitsuné)

     Formed just five years ago, Northern Irish trio Two Door Cinema Club have enjoyed vast success over the last few years with their debut album ‘Tourist History’, which was released in 2010. Singles from the upbeat Indie band’s debut did incredibly well, and the single from ‘Beacon’ ‘Sleep Alone’ has already peaked at 64 in UK charts.  

   With their less pop based, more chirpy, dance-worthy Indie tracks ‘Beacon’ reflects a new found confidence from the band with their own style. They know how commercially successful their last record was, and want to give their fans something new. ‘Next Year’ is a spectacular opener to another great album, telling a story of the hardship of loneliness when on tour. The experimental cocktail of electronic sounds in ‘Handshake’ is bursting with energy and instrumentals, and as radio and advert or jingle friendly as their previous work. It is fundamentally a harsh love letter, which shows a jump from ‘Tourist History’s’ classroom-whisper based lyrics.  

'Beacon's' Artwork

   Two Door Cinema Club have managed to pin-point the exact balance between being commercial, faithful to fans and unique, and ‘Wake Up’ is no different. It is as catchy as anything you’d expect from the trio and illustrates the fantastic work of Irish producer Garret ‘Jacknife’ Lee, who has previously worked with U2, R.E.M., Snow Patrol and Editors. ‘Sun’ makes use of some brass; clearly an influence from a great producer and mixer.

    The rhythmic, polished and gig-perfect ‘Someday’ is quirky and explosive, but lacks emotion lyrically. ‘Sleep Alone’ perfectly overlaps different tempos and rhythms and is a textbook Indie single in the best way possible. With its seamless and epic backbeats and acapella sections, Two Door Cinema Club’s progression is unavoidable. ‘The World is Watching’ utilises old-school style harmonies used by the likes of The Beach Boys, all wrapped together with the input of unspoiled female vocals from Valentina. String-based segments add a new dynamic twist into the mix, especially when conjoined to high pitched electronic sounds.

Two Door Cinema Club at NME magazine this month.

     The constant mood and rhythm change in ‘Settle’ and ‘Spring’ both portray a more sophisticated and mature style, and ‘Pyramid’ is driven by the most beautiful, dancey back beat. Title track ‘Beacon’ begins with thumping bass, not dissimilar from The Vaccines’ ‘A Lack of Understanding’, but it quickly evolves into a gentle, echoing Indie song with adaptable and emotional lyrics; ‘Standing right in front of you is where I need to be’.

    Although it can be a little repetitive at times, ‘Beacon’ smashes the stereotype of second albums being difficult to compose due to an overload of pressure from fans. But Two Door Cinema Club have retained their ridiculously catchy beats, great electronic riffs and crisp, well produced tracks.

4/5