Declan McKenna Unveils 'What Happened to the Beach?' in a Bold Sonic Exploration

Returning in full creative force, British pop talent Declan McKenna introduces his third album, 'What Happened to the Beach?,' showcasing a vibrant and innovative sound. Having first impacted the industry at just 16 with the hit 'Brazil,' his voice against FIFA’s politics has since captivated listeners, now boasting over 480 million Spotify streams. McKenna's journey is marked by a Glastonbury emerging artists award in 2015, followed by the successes of 'What Do You Think About the Car?' in 2017 and 'Zeros' in 2019, with the latter reaching the No. 2 spot on UK charts for its lofty aspirations.

Now 25, McKenna diverges from his earlier thematic narratives into a realm where sound itself leads the adventure on 'What Happened to the Beach?.'

Los Angeles, with its laid-back vibe, significantly influences the album's development. McKenna, in conversation with Rolling Stone UK, expressed that this body of work isn't designed to commandeer the listener's focus, but rather to establish a lush and emotionally rich auditory experience. The album, crafted with an array of instruments, ambient sounds, and distorted vocal effects, forms a dreamscape of musical canvases that entice the ear with their odd beauty rather than narrating the mundane.

Tracks like 'Breath of Light' weave cosmic lyrics with an intricate mix of guitar, percussion, and synths, while other songs such as 'Nothing Works' deliver the irresistible hooks typical of indie pop. The more esoteric, yet alluring 'It's an Act' and 'Mulholland's Dinner and Wine' echo with a psychedelic pop essence, reminiscent of acts like Still Woozy and Glass Animals.

Nevertheless, McKenna interjects with tracks like 'I Write the News' and 'WOBBLE,' as well as the intriguing trio of interludes titled 'Mystery Planet Pt. 1-3,' abruptly pulling listeners out of comfort zones, to showcase his command over the album's mesmerizing pull. Specific interludes pay homage to the spirit of Los Angeles through inventive audio manipulations.

The album overall signals a Declan McKenna uninhibited by conventions, embracing a candid style that carries his distinctiveness through his music composition as powerfully as he has through his songwriting.

pop, experimental, innovation