Beat Connection - Surf Noir

Is it a bird, is it a plane etc. Modern sayings are so predictable. In the case of Beat Connection’s ‘Surf Noir’: is it an EP, is it an album? Clocking in at 28 minutes the former would be the likelier case, but besides bloggers, who really cares? Ignore the clogging, distracting debate. Beat Connection have done a marvellous job here; ‘Surf Noir’ is fresh, hook-laden and beautiful.

Opener ‘Sunburn’ displays some certain joys in music - almost overtly bold simplicity with refreshing subtle production. No, it couldn’t really be argued that Beat Connection are creating a unique or original sound, but they are definitely not a scratched record; they’re very good at what they do: delightful and accessible pop music. This work as a whole is fluid yet varying, at times better than others – there really does seem to be a mix of quite minimal, sample-led electronica and the relevant and niche ‘post-indie’ pop, although maybe those two sounds are becoming interwoven.

‘In The Water’ is a very current song. Building through repetition is the theme, and despite that idea being not so successful for the first section, it is quite a grower to the point where the Caribbean percussion - often the bane of commuters - is really quite acceptable. ‘Theme From Yours Truly’, nearing an irritatingly catchy effect, is quite a track. With hints of late 80s, early 90s electronics and really quite beautiful production, this is a fine song. Structurally it is not quite there - unless ‘there’ is an overarching concept of course - but it could be shortened, creating a snappier, more evidently evolving work.

The highlights of ‘Surf Noir’ are the minimalist and somewhat Metronomy-esque ‘Silver Screen’, and ‘Motorway’, which wouldn’t be out of place in an anime sci-fi movie set in the year 3047 on Pluto. An introduction to closer ‘Same Damn Time’, it’s just a shame that this latter song doesn’t quite live up to what it had been sonically hyped to be.

Album or EP, this is a success; dare it be even described as ‘epic’ at points. Leaving out interlude ‘Wildheart’ and being more ruthless with song selection would have made this a truly excellent record. Beat Connection: danceable, infectious and enough to lose yourself in.