Album Review
Alex G - Beach Music
4 StarsThis record was defined by never being in the same place at once but there’s a glue holding everything together.
‘Beach Music’ is a misleading title for Alex G’s seventh album, because it’s the first to not be rooted to one single place. Previously, Alex Giannascoli was either the go-to bedroom recording artist, or the pride of Philadelphia. He’d make albums off the cuff and in spontaneous but meaty-constructed sessions. A Bandcamp favourite, he swiftly became a self-releasing king of the underground.
Things changed in late 2014, when Giannascoli was whisked off on world tours, taking way out of the bedroom confines. The result is a full-length that pens down thoughts like a scatterbrain trying to find their keys.
That’s not a disadvantage to ‘Beach Music’. When Giannascoli begins to settle into a rhythm like on the softly-softly one-two of ‘Bug’ and ‘Thorns’, he’ll bring a hard-hitting ice breaker like ‘Kicker’ or ‘Walk’. Guitars channel Low and Pinback, while otherwise muted vocals begin to climb out of their own skin. Change suits the way he writes.
Like the previous cult favourites he has to his name, ‘Beach Music’ hits gorgeous highs without making a big fuss. ‘Brite Boy’ is a treasure that’s been buried six feet under, while ‘Salt’ strangely mixes Alex’s staples with light, alien-like drum patterns. Alex G has the ability to sound uneasy and perfectly in his own comfort zone at the same time. This record was defined by never being in the same place at once - each song was recorded in a different location - but there’s a glue holding everything together.
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The day charts a path through some of the most exciting music being made away from the mainstream.
1st June 2023, 12:00pm
Alex G announces vinyl-only live album ‘Live From Union Transfer’
The album is due out 30th June via Domino Records.
5th May 2023, 12:00am
Alex G releases video for ‘Immunity’
Lifted from his most recent album ‘God Save The Animals’.
28th February 2023, 12:00am
Alex G, Black Country, New Road, Viagra Boys and more join Wide Awake 2023 line-up
Los Bitchos, Warmduscher and O. are also among the new names announced.
24th January 2023, 12:00am
With Bob Vylan, St Vincent, girl in red, Lizzy McAlpine and more.