by Beach House
Released August 28, 2015 via Sub Pop Records
Reviewed August 20, 2020
Top tracks (based on community voting)
Space Song (80%), Levitation (62%), PPP (62%)
One of Beach House’s best works, Depression Cherry is but one key component to what is arguably dream pop’s dreamiest catalog. Dense, enveloping, and atmospheric, the duo creates a sound that replicates the feeling of floating peacefully—or at least what we can assume that feels like. There’s a striking irony in that though, and one that works to the advantage of Beach House, seeing as Depression Cherry is not meant to be a happy album (shocker). Thematically focusing heavily on escapism—from heartbreak, from death, from all of life’s tragedies—Victoria Legrand’s angelic vocals should not be as calming as they are. Depression Cherry is a musical equivalent to a pillow to cry on, offering an unexplainable—but welcoming—comfort as your introspection and existential dread lead you to the brink of spiraling. – Dominick (9/10)
Dream pop royalty, Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally have perfected their sound with lush textures and ethereal soundscapes over time as Beach House, with Depression Cherry as perhaps the duo's crown jewel. For a band who has consistently elevated their patented style from record to record, their fifth effort presents arguably the most evidence towards a mastery of the sound. Five years later, Depression Cherry is still a scintillating and enveloping experience for listeners, and feels more like a destination than an album. – DeVán (8.5/10)
After two astounding albums in Teen Dream and Bloom, Beach House capped off the trifecta of their discography with Depression Cherry, an effort that propelled them even further up the ranks of dream pop bands. Taking cues from early Slowdive and Pale Saints with multilayered instruments, heavy distortion, and gentle vocals, Depression Cherry is one of the band’s most ethereal and spacious projects. Featuring arguably their biggest hit in “Space Song” among, pound for pound, the most recognizable tracklist of any of their discography, this album deserves consideration for the band’s magnum opus. While Depression Cherry justifiably flaunts the bands talent for atmospheric and overall comforting musical arrangements, it does lack the occasional palate cleansing in the form of tempo and percussion that a listener can find on Bloom or Teen Dream. But, that could simply be chalked up to a preference nitpick. And regardless, Depression Cherry does what Beach House is known for best: evoking feelings. – Pax (8.5/10)
Some bands get lost in their formulaic approach, as said formula supersedes the material itself in some cases. But Beach House, not sailing too far from shore, have mastered the sound of atmospheric dream pop and simultaneously mastered their formula with Depression Cherry. The mix of shimmering synthesizers, simplistic rhythms, arpeggiated guitar lines and vocals conjure up the living dead, and play a major role in Beach House's aura. Working within parameters can be the thing that sets you free - remove the noise and visions become crystal clear. With too many variables, things get lost in translation. More of the same from Beach House on their fifth studio album, but their aim is so succinctly mapped out that the execution is undeniable. 'Space Song' is pop perfection. – Peter (7.5/10)
Dominick: 9/10 | Enth: 9/10 | Cam: 8.8/10
DeVán: 8.5/10 | Pax: 8.5/10 | Hadley: 8/10
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