Beach House’s lo-fi plunge into the depths of baroque pop for the disenfranchised, wild-eyed masses is everything that we’ve come to expect from the duo over the course of three records. Allusion’s to the beach? Check. Sweeping guitars and organs reminescent of The Zombies and Brian Wilson? Check. Haunting, barely audible vocals? Well, not this time around.

You see for some odd reason, Victoria Legrand (the niece of both film composer Michel Legrand and singer Christiane Legrand) wants you to hear her new found soul that permeates every track on Teen Dream. She displays the rawness of Nina Simone and the subtle control of Billie Holiday. The other distinct quality that both of these ladies also share with Ms. Legrand is the ability to express basic human ideas without over extending metaphorically. These ideas: awe and wonder (“Zebra”), fear of the unknown (“Lover of Mine”), and love (“Silver Soul”,”Walk In The Park”,”Real Love”) are among the plethora of dead horses that have been beaten since stories started being told and pictures were crudely drawn, but her voice and words bring into existence an atmosphere of grace and general poise. It isn’t very often, however, in recent history that two people could create the perfect un-ironic soundtrack to a charming adventure in which you or your friends/significant other/AA sponsor/hot air balloon/imaginary mythical creature do whatever it is you do when you’re in need of general mischief or excitement.

Also, let’s not forget Alex Scally. Something must be said for a man who has single-handedly brought back the love of delicate guitar lines. The simple execution of slow waves of organs, reverb heavy guitar appregios and sweeps, and other worldly melodies melds together the structure of what could easily be the best dream pop record of the past 10 years.