9/10

Since their infancy, Beach House have remained one of the more captivating names on the dream-pop scene. With a sound that blends rich and soaring atmosphere with a driven pursuit of warming textures, they have quickly made themselves figureheads of the genre as a result. But while many others have jumped on their bandwagon over the last decade, the duo themselves have already begun moving onto the next phase of their direction as they unveil their eighth studio album 'Once Twice Melody', a record that has a far more forward-thinking approach than most.

Throughout the ventures they explored on their previous collection '7', it was clear that Beach House were beginning to move away from the safer and more expected angles of what they have done before, almost reinventing themselves in the process. Now that more adventurous spirit is the hallmark of 'Once Twice Melody' as they work to create a more refined aesthetic throughout. Divided up into four chapters, this new release marks a wonderfully bold and effervescent addition to their growing catalogue, delivering a beautifully well-rounded return with effortless songwriting from start to finish.

They have rarely found themselves faltering over the last two decades, but 'Once Twice Melody' feels like they are at their most perfect to date. There is a smooth and easygoing vibe running the length of this new album, making it so easy to get wrapped up in it, you almost lose yourself several times as it plays.