Beach House – The Flea Pit, London 09/12/09

It’s one of those nights – a show that, if justice is done, will seem inconceivably small in twelve months. The Fleapit, tucked away down Columbia Road in London’s East End, plays host to this hush-hush gig from Baltimore’s Beach House, showcasing their third LP Teen Dream.

It’s gazing-into-irises intimate, and before any sense of reality has settled, “Walk In The Park” is swelling with self-confidence, in both sound, songwriting and Victoria Legrand’s heart-wrenching vocal charm. With most of tonight’s set coming from the new record, the band’s progression is shining with a pristine clarity. Alex Scally’s slide guitar swoons through “Norway” – which must be the perfect dream-pop single. The band’s ‘oldies’ have inherited a rich brilliance; “Gila” and “Master of None” haunt with a near-divine melancholy, dispelling any concern that Beach House can’t pull being a great live act.

The live band as a three-piece make the most of their appendages to fill out their reverb-soaked ethereal sound, especially with Scally playing both his guitar and a foot-organ simultaneously. There’s a backing track adding the odd vocal harmony, but with Daniel Franz on drums it’s not a heavy reliance – and, of course, Victoria’s voice holds the audience. Her alto and love-or-heartache lyricism, delivered with this strong an assurance, are enough to besot any member of this audience. It’s clear she’s thoroughly enjoying herself too, swaying behind her keyboard amid a stage set of two white furry trees, doubling up as lights decorating this art space – with an exhibition sharing the space, rather aptly titled “Astroland”.

Closing on the reassurance and uplift of “Take Care”, the crowd is left a little wanting after an all to brief nine songs. But with sweat and heat of the venue, the brevity feels fitting with the occasion. Beach House are back in the new year – twice, in fact, including a coveted support slot with Grizzly Bear. With a record of Teen Dream’s strength, and with some of its finest moments missing from tonight’s set, it’s an irresistible prospect.

Photography by Crazybobbles (except 3 & 4, by Anika Mottershaw)