Artist: Beck
Release: Morning Phase (LP)
Release Date: Out Now
Beck Hansen makes his first album in six years. Less glam, less pop, zero sex appeal, the mature Beck from 2002’s ‘Sea Change‘ is back and he’s probably been drinking the ol’whiskey.
After his last outing ‘Modern Guilt‘ fans were hoping that Beck would be able to yet again transform himself into a relevant, experimental and exciting artist. He has dabbled in so many genres from country to funk, but how would he sound with some dubstep rhythms behind him and hey maybe some good old fashioned bag pipes. Sadly these fans will just have to hold on for another half a dozen years or so as ‘Morning Phase‘ is a retread of the chilled-out, stripped-back sound of ‘Sea Change’. But that’s not necessarily a change for the worse.
‘Morning Phase’ is a perfect album when in the right environment. With strong influences of Neil Young, Spiritualized and the very best of Americana, the songs all flow like a stream finding its way around a summer meadow each track gently pushing the album along. There are of course, the odds sparks of delight with ‘ Country Down‘ and the final song ‘Walking Light‘ and the recent single ‘Blue Moon‘; whilst, lyrically Beck moans about being isolated and his insecurities, a long way gone from his self-confident self from the late 90s. He famously was once a “loser baby” and again he finds shelter in being self-depreciating and introverted.
The orchestrations and melody interplay are at their most beautiful during ‘Wave’ which almost comes nearer to a David Sylvian, Scott Walker kind of vibe, a very new direction indeed.
‘Morning Phase’ is the soundtrack of a 3am comedown. In the right setting, the right time, and the right stimulant* it then may just make its way onto many music critics top ten at the end of the year. But Beck bring back the pop someday soon please.
8/10
* Hit the Floor doesn’t promote intoxication when listening to music.
