CD of The Week

It's ironic that Baltimore duo Beach House would name their latest album Bloom, since that's arguably what they finally, fully did on its 2010 predecessor Teen Dream. That instantly iconic release felt like such an all-encompassing realization of their potential and talent that we wouldn't be blamed for worrying about where Alex Scally and Victoria Legrand would go from there, if anywhere. Turns out we needn't be so concerned. While the bloom has already been revealed on the rose, it doesn't sound like it's falling off anytime soon.

In fact, an argument could be made that Bloom is the stronger album. While nothing takes off and soars as immediately as "Norway" or "10 Mile Stereo" from Dream, the highlights are plenty and breathe and flow more smoothly than before. As a result, the listener will feel less like their tumbling into a dream and more like easing into ecstasy. Teaser single "Myth" provides the perfect introduction, bridging the sonic gap between past and future highlights with its waltzing rhythm and swirling midsection. Not to mention a titanic vocal performance from Legrand, who cements herself once and for all as one of indie's defining performers throughout the album's running time. New single "Lazuli" may be even better, coasting assertively on a twinkling toy piano and gentle gust of gossamer guitars that recall Lush at their most erotic and confident.

If it's harder to pick out potential follow-up singles from there, blame the consistency of the album, not the quality. There is the bittersweet yet commanding "Wild," the mildly menacing "Troublemaker," or best of all, the wistful ebullience of side B sucker punch "Wishes." Any of these songs would be a suitable gateway drug, and all of them articulate what Beach House do best better than any review could. They don't tell stories with their music so much as capture and immortalize feelings, intangible ones that we often remember and rejoice in during fleeting moments but are scarcely able to hold onto. One listen to Bloom and you won't have to. You'll be able to revisit them any time you want.