The Canadian quartet, The Beaches, with a musical legacy spanning over a decade, continues to captivate with their latest pop-rock creation, the sophomore album ‘Blame My Ex.’ The cheeky and playful album title immediately sets the tone for an experience that promises mischievous delight for all who dive into it.
The Evolution of The Beaches
Back in 2007, the journey started with a Disney Channel band called “Done with Dolls,” led by sisters Jordan (lead vocals and bass guitarist) and Kylie Miller (guitar), along with their friend Eliza Enman-McDaniel as the drummer. In 2012, keyboardist Leandra Earl joined, and they became The Beaches. Their music evolved into a mix of ’70s guitar rock, marking a big shift in their sound.
More than a decade into their musical journey, the quartet known as The Beaches, a homage to their hometown, emerges with their assertive sophomore album “Blame My Ex.” In this latest release, the band exudes newfound confidence, demonstrating not only their growth as artists but also their commitment to crafting bold and compelling rock sounds. The album stands as a testament to The Beaches’ evolution, capturing the essence of their enduring passion for creating music that resonates with a diverse audience.
The Bold Sophomore Release
The tracks on “Blame My Ex” showcase The Beaches’ versatile setlist, oscillating between assertive hard rock and post-punk-tinged elements. There’s a deliberate nod to the ’80s sound, reminiscent of iconic bands like Cure, New Order, and Echo and the Bunnymen. This musical fusion reflects the band’s evolution and channels the emotional depth associated with navigating the aftermath of a breakup. The album captures the happy/sad dynamic, echoing the sonic vibes of ’80s legends.
Blame Bret
Commencing with the chart-topping single ‘Blame Brett,’ Jordan opens with the humorous confession, singing, “sorry in advance, I’m only gonna treat you bad, I’m probably gonna let you down, I’m probably gonna sleep around.” Through these lyrics, Jordan playfully pokes fun at herself, encouraging listeners to embrace imperfections. The track maintains its lively momentum with energetic riffs, skillfully concealing introspective lines. ‘Blame Brett; culminates in an anthemic ode embracing scars, flaws, and grievances from a past relationship.
Journey of Self-Discovery
In tracks like ‘Shower Beer’ and ‘What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Paranoid,’ vulnerability and passion within an intimate space bring forth profound emotional resonance. Stripping back the curtains on her journey with self-love, Jordan navigates introspective themes against a backdrop of guitar-driven production and pop-infused synths, creating a mature yet acknowledging narrative of the lengthy process of self-discovery.
Vocal Dynamics, Surf Rock, and ‘90s Hooks
Among the noteworthy tracks, ‘Kismet’ stands out as Jordan showcases a surprising rap flair, infusing a vampy style into the song. Within the mid-tempo offering ‘My Body,’ a ’90s-inspired hook playfully tiptoes towards an intentional soft rock parody. Although Jordan’s vocal delivery doesn’t consistently stand out, the cohesive fusion of synth underlay and guitars remains a triumphant combination across the majority of the album.
Undoubtedly, ‘Blame My Ex’ emerges as a daring and audacious record that casts a spotlight on universal truths. Navigating through life’s lows and highs, The Beaches skillfully delve into the challenging journey of healing and self-discovery, all while savoring the joys of life and infusing a touch of self-deprecating humor. The album stands as a liberating and empowering experience, destined for broader acclaim. It’s an album that we at the Rock Review have on repeat. What do you think about the album? Let us know in the comments!
