Beachheads - Beachheads

by Adrian Huggins

published: 25 / 2 / 2017

Label: Fysisk Format
Format: CD

Pleasantly surprising debut album from power-pop/indie outfit Beachheads, the side project of guitarist Vidar Landa and bassist Marvin Nygaard from Norwegian metal band Kvelertak

Review

Beachheads are a power-pop/indie outfit from Norway consisting of members of metal band Kvelertak. The project first came about a few years ago when guitarist Vidar Landa and bassist Marvin Nygaard decided they wanted to explore their mutual love of fuzzy guitars and melody- driven music than the regular pounding, heavy nature of their day job. The pair hooked up with their fellow Stavanger residents drummer Espen Kvaloy, and singer Borild Haughom to flex their gentler muscles, and the result is Beachheads. The band released the single ‘Shadow of a Man’ in 2015 ,and much to their surprise managed to get the time to record a full-length album during 2016. The self-titled album is awash with catchy choruses, sugary sweet hooks and heart on sleeve lyrics, a far cry from the intense and heavy nature of Kvelertak, so fans be aware. Its influences are rooted in the melodic pop-punk and emo. If you think along the lines of Dinosaur Jr., Jonah Matranga, the Ataris and Gaslight Anthem, you’re about there. There is an upbeat energy that flows throughout the album and, while the songs have a pop-edge to them, there is a maturity about the way they are written which gives it a much greater depth. Haughom’s song writing is direct and honest. There is nothing hidden here in true emo style, much in the same way as Dashboard Confessional, only without all the whining about girls. While the vibe of the album is a positive one, the likes of ‘Break Me Down’, ‘Despair’ and ‘Monologues’ are far from sunny in their content, dealing with grieving and depression, but, however, the confessional nature of the output gives it a cathartic twist. It’s a good soul cleanser. ‘Moment of Truth’ and ‘Your Highness’ see the band reach for the sunnier side and ‘Una’ is a contemporary love and one the undisputed highlights of the album, and even has a hint of Eagulls about it before belting out a chorus that Jimmy Eat World would be proud of. ‘Beachheads’ debut is a solid album from start to finish. Coming to them via Kvelertak will be a shock too many, but, however, there is enough charm and honesty to win people over.

Track Listing:-

1 Moment of Truth
2 Break Me Down
3 Your Highness
4 Despair
5 Una
6 Give Me Some Love
7 Reverberations
8 Procession
9 Treasure Chest
10 Monologues
11 Addiction Not Love
12 It Feels Alright