BEANGROWERS: DANCE DANCE BABY
November 2004
The arrival of a new Beangrowers album is always an occasion to
treasure, at least that’s how it’s been for me ever since the release of
the threesome’s effervescent 48k debut, which showcased the band’s knack
for left of centre melodies. Its self-titled successor, on the other
hand, focused less on energy and more on synergy, but still celebrated
that melodic twist with discreet yet firm flair. This time around, as
the title might suggest, the Beanies may be after more than the usual
indie audience, and perhaps they are even after getting the listeners to
do more than just tap their toes to the beat.
The signs that this album is packing a lot more punch are right there
from the opening track, Farewell Party. Current single You Are You Are
and the title track confirm this solidly, weaving their way in between
power, melody and the band’s own particular alternative style. Waiting
comes across as a flowing breezy tune that made me think back to 48k,
while The Priest shifts focus towards a completely diverse plane, its
dark strut landing the Beanies a place on the soundtrack for Wim Wenders’
latest movie, Land of Plenty.
It is however, the album’s title track and I Like You that steal the
show here. Dance Dance Baby is as powerful as Genzora, Teen Titans and
Astroboy all rolled into one, but has an equally potent air of grace
about it that rises above any other upbeat Beanie song to date, while I
Like You’s playful PJ glint makes it the band’s ultimate pop song.
Overall, the new album actually sounds more like the sequel to 48k that
the eponymous second album could have been. It has a similar balance of
highs and lows and shares much of 48k’s musical references and
indentation, although this time around the end result is a more refined
product. It would seem that the Beanies’ busy live schedule has given
them time to revisit, rediscover and reapply the singular elements that
made them stand out from the rest in the first place!
Recommended weblink:
www.beangrowers.net
Read our review of Beangrowers' first album here!
Read our review of Beangrowers' second album here!
