Two Door Cinema Club – ‘Beacon’ Review

Being the follow up to 2010 hit ‘Tourist History’, fans have high expectations for Two Door Cinema Club’s second full-length album ‘Beacon’. The Irish indie rockers are known for their vibrant guitar riffs and delicately clean vocals that make their songs soundtracks for many adverts on TV. Similar to the likes of Foals and The Smiths in their prime, the band were shot to the top of the charts within a year of their first release. So does ‘Beacon’ live up to expectations?

Opener “Next Year” is reserved and simple with edgy guitars and synthesiser adorned and creates the perfect atmosphere for a “different second album”. “Wake Up” has the potential to be a radio hit, like “Something Good Can Work” from ‘Tourist History’. Timble’s expansive and soft vocals add to the idea of sleep sung about however the track lacks remarkable care-free pop aspect which hints at the band maturing and growing out of fun melodies that were ‘Tourist History’.

“Sun” is the most expected and predicted of all tracks as it feels the most like the light-hearted Two Door Cinema Club that fans know and love. “Settle” has a Local Natives atmosphere to it and captures a unique and engaging aspect to the band’s new musical direction.

The strongest track on the album is “Sleep Alone”, the first single from the album. Original lyrics, riffs and progression, it’s no wonder it was an instant hit. The success of indie singles is that they are easy to sing along to, simple in terms of progression and have memorable melodies. “Sleep Alone” ticks all those boxes.

“Pyramid” has a dramatic feel, showcasing killer lead guitar and harbours the idea of a ‘maturer’ second album. “Pyramid” should be the first track that fans fond of ‘Tourist History’ should listen too, as it truly shows the direction in which the band have progressed torwards.

There is no doubt that ‘Beacon’ is a more “deep and emotional” venture for the band. However, whether or not the dramatic change has pulled off is another issue. For me, the album is too sparce of vibrancy or indie pop anthems that fans are expecting even though development and maturing of sound should be appreciated and expected. However, taking it as an album on its own, irrespective of the band’s past, the album has a few engaging and crowd-pleasing songs but not in quantity or enough to make the album overly-outstanding.

Overall Rating: 7/10