The Norwegian unit Beachheads could be described as a supergroup of sorts, featuring a line-up featuring former Kvelertak members Vidar and Marvin (guitar and bass) alongside Espen Kvaløy and former synthpop-singer Børild Haughom. They now return with their second effort, Beachheads II, with all the pop-esque hooks you’d expect from a group with a metal background.
Throughout its 30 minute run time, the most striking part of Beachheads II is its succinct charm, and its unashamedness in wearing its influences on its sleeve. “Change” in the opening pack of songs is distinctly of R.E.M influence, and throws the mind back to hearing “Shiny Happy People” blasted through the speakers in every shopping centre, and as the go-to track for every school montage under the sun. Between this and tracks “Jupiter” and “Break It Off“, the latter having the rougher edges of an angsty Brit-pop song, the aforementioned charm begins to takeover.
The racing beats and catchy hooks of tracks like “Nothing” and “Death Of A Nation“, if you would spare me another nostalgia trip, have the aura of tracks that wouldn’t feel out of place on the FIFA Football 2006 or Gran Turismo 3 soundtracks. The irresistible top-tapping nature of these tracks is akin to the early Queens of the Stone Age track “Go With The Flow“, this is all before the lyrical content of Beachheads II is landed upon.
In among the glitzy hooks and cheeky jangle-pop, the record proclaims its own personal misery. Closer “Oh Joy” opens with “Heaven knows I’m miserable now, feeling all alone I indulge in silence“, a on the nose reference to you-know-who. Beachheads II is scattered with the insecurities, anxieties and angers that come with life day-to-day. While at first it may take a brief moment to realise the frank lyricism, it makes for a listen that leaves a wry smile on the face that despite all this there is still some joy to be found.
With their sophomore album Beachheads hit their stride, the nostalgia at hand will throw listeners down a rabbit hole that will have them spinning the likes of The Verve, Feeder and R.E.M once again. This isn’t to take away from Beachheads II though, which is fine record that will lure people in with its pleasant and catchy instrumentals. The easy listening nature will make it for ideal summer listening while it briefly hits the English shores.
7.5/10