On Friday, singer-songwriter beabadoobee released her album “Pylon,” leaning into a harsher sound for her latest project. beabadoobee — born Beatrice Laus — rose to fame in 2018 when her song “Coffee” went viral on YouTube. Seven months later, she signed to Dirty Hit Records, where she has released five extended plays and four studio albums. Her latest work and fourth album, the 14-track project “Pylon,” was announced in June, highly anticipated for its rock sound.
In the past, beabadoobee’s bedroom-pop tracks like "Coffee" and "If You Want To" were the artist’s signature, yet “Pylon” suggests she could be moving away from that style and taking some hardcore, rock and even Midwest emo influences. Notable producers on the album include Shane Moran of Title Fight and Evan Stephens Hall of Pinegrove, for both of whom beabadoobee has expressed deep respect.
One song that Moran helped produce was the title track — and first song — on “Pylon.” The song sounds reminiscent of beabadoobee’s second album “Beatopia” but with less of a twee feel. Its more aggressive instrumental, with a biting electric guitar, is also present throughout the entire album. The title refers to a time that beabadoobee felt extreme homesickness while on tour, and would use the familiar sights of pylons — tall, metal electrical structures — to remind her of her hometown of London.
"Sun Has Set," the album's lead single released June 24, opens with a moody guitar riff. Then, beabadoobee opens with the punchy lyrics "Steal / Weigh it down / Tough lovin" which represent the jumbled yet intentional feelings of an argument. The spiky distortion and fiery lyrics give the track a gritty, '90s rock sound.
The album’s other singles, "Switchblade" and "Memories," possess distinctively different sounds. If "Sun Has Set" works to set the tone for the rest of the album, "Switchblade” works to amplify it with a more experimental melody. Fans should appreciate the cathartic listening experience of hearing beabadoobee sing "Growing up just means to f—k everything up again.” Alternatively, "Memories" is a love song that feels reminiscent of older tracks like "Glue Song" and "Ever Seen." Listening to beabadoobee gush "Memories alive / Warm by your side" on this carefree track serves as an evident contrast with the other, more volatile songs on the record.
“Nothing to Prove” features Hayley Williams of Paramore on backing vocals. Lyrically, the song feels riot grrrl-esque, with Williams tauntingly chanting in the background as beabadoobee sings “You want it, I got it, I flaunt it, you need it.” Williams and beabadoobee possess similar grunge styles, and their vocals are distinct yet pair well together. However, fans might be disappointed that Williams does not have her own verse in the song, especially with how notable of a musician she is.
Another prominent track for its song credits, “Write Me a Letter,” starts off sounding like a softer love song, one similar to those beabadoobee has been known for in the past. Her labelmates Matty Healy and George Daniel of The 1975 contributed to the production of the track, with Healy also on backing vocals. Healy is known for collaborating with beabadoobee, most recently in 2022 on her album “Beatopia,” writing for songs “Pictures of Us” and “You’re here that’s the thing.” The collaborative nature of this track clearly paid off for "Write Me a Letter," as it blends beabadoobee's quirky songwriting with a satisfying build up to the final chorus that feels addictive.
Continuing with the metallic titles of “Pylon” and “Switchblade,” "Powerlines" involves a long-distance relationship taking place over telephone lines. Brendan Yates of American rock band Turnstile is also featured on "Powerlines" with his own verse. However, beabadoobee’s tone does not mesh as well with Yates’s as it does with Healy’s or Williams’s backing vocals on other tracks. This could be a result of Yates not having any musical credits on the song other than his vocals, not contributing to the more intimate production details on the track that could have better incorporated his own style.
Standout songs include "Radio" and "Satellite," the tenth and final tracks on the album, respectively. beabadoobee’s signature angsty and melancholic lyricism shine in these two tracks. Although beabadoobee mostly writes about the strange situations that musicians find themselves in, like feeling homesick on tour or creating music for people, the feelings of isolation and dissociation that come with them can still feel relatable to audiences.
Neither the first nor second half of "Pylon" feels stronger than the other, likely because of how stylistically cohesive the project sounds. Even though beabadoobee began writing rock music as a teenager, this is certainly her most adventurous project in terms of genre. However, "Pylon" makes it clear that she has succeeded in a genre change that does not feel abrupt, but rather a product of her evolution as an artist and through the help of her colleagues.
Read More
Lizzy McAlpine soars to new heights on ‘Angel’
By Alena Touve | 5 hours agoLizzy McAlpine’s “Angel” is a triumph of sonic experimentation and lyrical ability, channeling both folk and musical theater into one harmonious product.
Girls in pearls, guys in … jerseys
By Zoe McFarland | YesterdayAs University tradition continues to coexist with changing trends and tastes, game day fashion will likely continue to resist simple characterization.
From a rooftop to the stage — ‘Third Floor Window’ finds its place in the student music scene
By Sofia Hahn | 3 days agoThe band leans heavily into this communal enthusiasm, with high-octance sets often dependent on their performances being able to invigorate crowds.
