The riveting new album from Christian List, Beach shows the talented songwriter expanding his sound with a fuller, band-driven approach. The release contrasts his more minimalist 2023 album Spirit by embracing pedal steel, Hammond organ, and shimmering synths alongside vintage guitars. The result is a versatile blend of indie rock, country, and folk influences — a warm, summery collection inspired by List’s seaside childhood and carried by his natural gift for heartfelt storytelling.
“On The Beach” begins the album with a hypnotic, twangy allure — as List’s debonair vocals conjure a title-touting setting, with the “won’t see her anymore” yearning compared to a vanishing shoreline. “I feel my blood grow cold,” List’s vocals alternate to a more solemn demeanor, complemented by acoustic strums. “Please lay my bones to rest,” a dynamic vocal presence continues, stirring across both suave introspections and heightened emotional ferocity. Ensuing track “Some Of Us” unveils a brisker rock familiarity, invoking Tom Petty in the “never look back” sentiments and shimmering guitar work; its smooth vocal charm and flowing guitar lines drive seamlessly into a wholly sating chorus. The “maybe one day” hopefulness melds with blaring organs, and into lovely guitar work, for a fantastic send-off.
Elsewhere, “The Girl Who Sold Her Face” incorporates a moody synth-touched appeal amidst its late-night guitar infusions, fondly resembling The War on Drugs. The production excels in its variety between its contemplative verses — musing on “money, power, and glory” — and more heart-on-sleeve chorus, admitting “you’re still locked in my head,” — asking “am I locked in yours too?” as a smitten sense of adoration lingers. Soaring guitar work in the final minute furthers the enveloping synth-rock soundscape, making for another excellent track that stands out for its seamless electronic embrace.
Sitting in the comforting folk-rock realm, “Back In The Days” exudes an on-the-road weariness — as the sun slowly fades — in its sturdy acoustic strums and hazy organs. “I would listen, all night long,” the multi-layered vocal entrancement reveals in the lovely chorus, reflective and pining for “that feeling.” The vocal duet, featuring List and his wife, is fully impactful. A touch of synths adds to the production, as does another delectable guitar solo in the second half. The track’s retrospective, heart-aching appeal lingers throughout. Also succeeding in its folk styling, with a more stripped-back dreaminess, album finale “Weightless” melds lyrical soul-searching with a beautifully textured sound, enamoring in both its warming vocal tone, twangy additions, and steady acoustics. Beach is a collection of fantastic songwriting from Christian List.
