BEABADOOBEE

"Pylon"

review by Anna C for Return To Sound

Beabadoobee is the name on the lips of pretty much every daytime Radio 6 Music DJ, which is hilarious as it is impossible to say it and sound cool, though they do try. Anyway, that’s why I have heard of her now – her being Bea Laus (see what she did there?). However, I am ashamed to say this is her fourth album. I know. Where have I been? Raising a child is my excuse. Thankfully, Beabadoobee has not – she has been working hard, touring, playing and writing music to warm the heart of many a Generation X-er. 

Indeed, for any discerning music fan coming of age in the 90s (me), Pylon is the amalgamation of many female-fronted gems of the era. Opening with the album’s title track, Bea’s vocal is a saccharine nod to a notable influence - British indie band, The Sundays – and her love for this group emerges again in ‘Memories’ - complete with “Ooh Ooh Ooh” singalong that you will have heard on the airwaves recently (I thought it was The Sundays with some new material actually). 

In contrast to dainty and romantic is an otherwise nostalgic grungey sound coupled with a dose of teen angst; swear words and fuzzy guitars punctuating certain tunes in a way that seemingly intends to shock rather than give substance, that my 14 year old self would have definitely relished. The floating melodies of Mazzy Star during ‘Satellite’ mingle with sultry Veruca Salt/Luscious Jackson-inspired bass heavy tracks like ‘Switchblade’ and I have to remember that there are still 14 year olds in the world that would love this as if they are hearing it for the first time. 

Credit Erika Kamano

Elsewhere, lead single ‘Sun Has Set’ or ‘Write Me a Letter’ - (the latter produced by members of The 1975)- wouldn’t be out of place during some action on an American noughties teen flick. In fact, I will go ahead and just say it - some of Pylon for me lacks emotional maturity, particularly in the lyrical content of songs like ‘Spark’ (where she rhymes ‘spark’ with ‘dark’ and ‘it’s a start’. I don’t know why; it just annoyed me. Probably my declining hormones). That said, the number of earworms that balance out those album fillers means that there are some iconic guest appearances, including Hayley Williams of Paramore and even Deftones’ Chino Moreno, adding even more punch to some already punchy three-minute belters.  Although, yes, I was surprised because they have some definite chops and Bea is developing hers. I guess there is something lovely about that kind of support.

Credit Erika Kamano

Still, in summary, Beabadoobee presents me with a bit of a dilemma. She silently pilfers the sound of my youth, which I generally usually enjoy, but the sort of ‘Dear Diary’ anthems she creates also make me feel very old or at least reminds me of the fact that I am perimenopausal. With that, I will slowly fade away and leave you to make your own mind up. Don’t hate me.

Credit Erika Kamano