NEW DOUBLE LP
New sealed copy. 2023 special cut reissue. Plays back at 45 RPM.
Beach House's fourth studio album, Bloom, was released on May 15, 2012, through Sub Pop in the United States and internationally through Bella Union, Mistletone Records, and Arts & Crafts. Written over two years of touring for their breakthrough album Teen Dream (2010), the album was recorded twice: first as demos in Baltimore, then at Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas over nine weeks in 2011. Produced by Chris Coady with live drums by Daniel Franz, the album was recorded on 24-track analog tape with the duo using their own instruments rather than the studio's equipment.
Described as a dream pop record with shoegaze, indie pop, and new wave influences, Bloom features a darker sound than Teen Dream with lyrical themes revolving around heartbreak, longing, death, and lost love. The album was supported by singles "Myth," which was certified gold by the RIAA in 2023, and "Lazuli," both receiving critical acclaim. Additional promotion included the short film Forever Still (2013), featuring live performances of album tracks.
Critics widely praised Bloom, with Pitchfork awarding it Best New Music and a 9.1/10 score, calling the duo "in perfect sync." PopMatters gave it a perfect score, calling it a "landmark" release that is "absolutely golden from end to end." The album debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200 with 41,000 copies sold, becoming the duo's highest-charting album and first top 10 entry. It appeared on numerous year-end lists for 2012, including number three on Under the Radar and number four on PopMatters.
TRACKLIST:
A1 Myth
A2 Wild
A3 Lazuli
B1 Other People
B2 The Hours
B3 Troublemaker
C1 New Year
C2 Wishes
D1 On The Sea
D2 Irene
D3 Wherever You Go
