Some may say that indie-pop scene is saturating too heavily the musical spectrum (we're not among this camp), while others might claim that it's just getting started (we're not among this camp, either), but either way, there's still a ton of innovation and creativity occurring within the expanding genre. Just two weeks ago, we were first introduced to Beatenberg with their infectious single, "Rafael", and it immediately got us hooked on the South African trio. Luckily, we haven't had to wait very long to hear more from them, either, because they've quickly returned to provide us with a brand-new, full-length album in The Hanging Gardens of Beatenberg—a project that is undoubtedly one of the best indie-pop hs presented this year. "Pluto", the fourth track on the album, is a prime example of the group's sound, with its many electric guitar layers, consistent drum beat, spot-on vocals, subtle synths, and surplus of unique instruments. The boys' South African vibe is easily audible throughout the song (and the entire album, really), and if we were to take a guess, we would bet that they also drew some inspiration from Paul Simon's Graceland (which also has a huge South African influence). "Scorpion" is the next track that we really took a liking to, and whether it's because of the emphasis on acoustic, rather than electric guitar, or the all-around mellower style that we're hearing, we're definitely catching a bit of a different, softer angle on their sound. Next is "Ithica", another optimistic track that utilizes sparse acoustic strums to build it's pleasant soundscape. Continuing the album's upbeat feel is "Cavendish Square", a song that reveals yet another side of their consistently varying sound. Matthew Field, the band's lead singer, rapidly sings a captivating verse while plenty of electronic and acoustic bits chime throughout the song, which splits it's time between a quicker-moving sound and more of a low-key one. At this point in the album (taking into account all songs we've covered), we're just downright taken aback by how many surprises the band has thrown at us, but, as ardent artists would have it, they're not done yet, because "Cape to Rio" might be the most creative song we've heard thus far of the bunch, beginning with nothing more than some touching piano chords, pristine vocals, a drum beat, and some subtle bass that all unexpectedly explodes into a reggae-styled jam. The group's vast knowledge of classical music—which two of the band members studied at the University of Cape Town—really shows in the small piano outbursts throughout the song, and we love the effort all the more for the inclusions. "The Prince of the Hanging Gardens" is our next pick from the album, and it's a slower, deviant track that simply refuses to be anywhere near conventional. Finally, we arrive at "Thinking About You", a track that is indeed a cover of Frank Ocean's heartfelt ballad (and yes, Matthew Field does hit Frank's thought-to-be-untouchable high note). The entire song really is an exceptional cover and a great, relaxing way to conclude our highlights from the album, but, more than anything else, it's important to note that Beatenberg has put together an album that is simply enjoyable to listen to all the way through. No, you're not going to find any mind-boggling drops or heart-stopping electronic creations here, but instead, you'll be washed with an excess of euphonic melodies, impressive instrumentation, and unique song structures—all conveying a pleasant sound that will bring some South African warmth to wherever you reside. If you live in South Africa, you can purchase The Hanging Gardens of Beatenberg on iTunes now, but if you happen to live elsewhere, you can stream our favorites below as you wait for its international release.
Beatenberg