Third album of Brooklyn based indie collective titled Somersault represents a step forward in comparison to its predecessors Beach Fossils and Clash The Truth. This step is reflected in much wider sonic palette that band wants to spray all over your ears. On their previous album, Beach Fossils provided what any typical indie band would, but this time around things are a bit different.
Enjoyable melodies, soft vocals, and ubiquitous atmosphere characterized almost every song on their previous efforts. In the avalanche of other similar bands such as Real Estate, DIIV, and Ducktails, Beach Fossils were giving us just a minimal dose of authenticity, enough to recognize them on the radio and not confused them with other indie acts. No matter how it sounded in the introduction, they did not quite stepped out of their comfort zone on Somersault, which becomes clear after the first track This Year that reveals in which direction the rest of the album is going to unfold. So, what is the difference? Well, their signature sound is there, only now it's embellished with string arrangements that required more polished production.
It is obvious that Dustin Parsayer, alpha et omega of the band, decided to put an accent on arrangements, and that's how we got harpsichord on Closer Everywhere, stellar flute solo on Saint Ivy and a bit tedious melody played by saxophone on Rise which also sees the guest appearance by the rapper Cities Aviv who does not fit with the general concept of the album. Tangerine features Rachel Goswell of Slowdive. Her vocal is perfectly framed in the string arrangement, which makes this number one of the album's highlights. Middle of the album suffers from monotony, even though songs May 1st and Sugar give us decent melodies. Yet, there is an absence of dynamic in vocal setting.
The end of the album delivers few good songs, such as Down The Line which is held by a great bassline, or Be Nothing that gradually moves from downtempo to pop psychedelic climax. That's All For Now closes the record in indie folk fashion.
Beach Fossils were brave and their courage resulted in their best record yet. I know that the summer is over, but Somersault is a dash of summer for the upcoming days below zero.
