The Student News Site of Neshaminy High School

The Playwickian

The Student News Site of Neshaminy High School

The Playwickian

The Student News Site of Neshaminy High School

The Playwickian

Beach Music: exceeding expectations

By Noah Burke
Staff Writer

Over the past couple of years, the internet indie music community has kept Philadelphia singer/songwriter Alex G (Giannascoli) a secret from the world. Currently a junior in Temple University, his six self-recorded albums have gained him quite the followers, with his past two releases ‘DSU’ and ‘Trick’ propelling him to an almost fanatic fan base. Despite the commotion, he has managed to operate under the noses of the mainstream and released his latest seven length album, “Beach Music,” which pushed him into the limelight.

Written in his apartment while touring with Speedy Ortiz and Cymbals Eat Guitars, Giannascoli shaped the album based on his life as a touring musician. Giannascoli was able to show his time and commitment as he wrote each song within one month each other.

The album’s opener, aptly named “Intro,” experiments with harsh electronics and an overall jarring soundscape that flows into one of the album’s strongest songs, “Bug.” In this sweet, borderline twee song, it harkens back to Giannascoli’s soft sung indie rock origins but still manages to sound fresh.

Story continues below advertisement

The variety of styles presented in this album is a feat in itself. Songs like “Bug” and “Brite Boy” are catchy, accessible songs,
whereas songs like “Salt” and “Look Out” are more experimental, almost ethereal electronic songs.

In “Beach Music,” Giannascoli succeeds in piecing together something truly special. Rarely does an album establish such a deep bond with the listener almost immediately, and even rarer are albums able to keep this bond feeling special throughout the entire duration of the album. Giannascoli’s ability to create things so intimate, but still broad enough to effect everyone is a truly special thing. A perfect album to ease you into the upcoming shortened days and cold weather, “Beach Music” is now out on Domino Records.

According to Rolling Stone, the 22-year-old artist says, “It’s like getting hired for a really good job or something. I have a career now. I have something I can count on to feed myself. That’s awesome.”

AlexGHollow

More to Discover
Activate Search
The Student News Site of Neshaminy High School
Beach Music: exceeding expectations