Two Door Cinema Club’s Beacon shines brightly

It’s been a big week for fans of Northern Irish trio Two Door Cinema Club. First they announced their biggest UK tour to date with 10 shows planned for January and February 2013, and then they treated the world to a preview of their forthcoming album, Beacon, streamed on their website in advance of the official release on 3^rd September.

Beacon is a great pop album from a band who have taken all the things they learned from their début album Tourist History and plugged the best bits into this new collection of unadulterated indie pop. It’s maturely crafted and confidently driven, from the lovelorn beats of the opening track Next Year to the synthy disco pop of Handshake (which is somewhat reminiscent of Cut Copy). Lead single Sleep Alone (out on 27^th August) combines a frenetic pulse with jangling guitars, and vulnerable lyrics (“I don’t know/ if in the morning I will be here”), while The World is Watching and Settle bring an element of reflection. Sun is the stand-out and most memorable track with its funky bass line and scratchy guitar riff, featuring Alex Trimble’s distinctive vocals nicely.

The whole album could use a little bit more diversity. It all feels a little bit like the metronome got stuck at the same speed, particularly the middle section that gets disappointingly samey. But later track Spring picks things up again with an intro of more simple guitar and keys under wistful vocals before the beat, gradual synth sounds and a strong bass groove are introduced. This feels like a better-paced song with a better balance of beats, band and vocals. More of this please.

Perhaps not immediately memorable, overall it’s a playful, upbeat album of well-produced pop from a band gaining ground with their own sound and you’ll definitely go back for more. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself bobbing around to it on the tube – you’ve been warned!

Emma Cooper

Beacon is released on 31^st August 2012. For further information or to order the album visit Two Door Cinema Club’s website here.

Watch the video for Sleep Alone here: