Beauts
Beauts
Dalliance // LHM Records
Halifax's Beauts three prior EP releases have served to stoke a fire of anticipation to this, their first full length release.
I've got to say, this album snuck up on me. Stylistically, I haven't listened to anything even remotely similar in decades. And yet, I wasn't prepared for the varied nuances it brought. Dalliance pairs well with a long solo bike ride, a run a night, a bus trip home, or some long-distance driving.
“The city loves me, because it won't let go.”
There are many clever lyrical phrases using the personification of the city. It's as if the city or place we live becomes a character in one's life. Anyone that uses transit or a bicycle in the city can identify with this useage.
The atmospheric meanderings on "Just like Everything" evoke some rainy landscape. I especially enjoy the fact that they do not fall into the trap of too many overdubs and effects. Quite the contrary, the songs are left to breathe in simple arrangements.
Even though the sonic approach may feel familiar, the use of tension and release was somewhat relentless. In fact, if there is a cohesive element to the album, it's this use of tension and release.
Dalliance will help propel Beauts as an interesting recent fold in Canadian independent music and this new release has become a sonic character in my late Winter.
- Drew Cox
