The self-titled debut album can be a powerful thing. Sometimes born from lack of imagination, in other instances the musical equivalent to publishing a manifesto - a statement of sonic intent that proudly shouts "We have arrived and this is what we're about" - the work of super group-not-super group Beachy Head is a majestic and powerful introduction to what this tour de force lineup can do, if they forget their individual resumes. Or at least put them to one side for a second.
Comprising Christian Savill (Slowdive), Rachel Goswell (Slowdive), Matt Duckworth (Flaming Lips) and Steve Clarke (the Soft Cavalry), it's easy to assume some psychedelic shoegaze-y polymath rock epics will greet you on their inaugural collaborative LP. There may be a few hints of that, but the sum of these parts isn't so easy to define. Owing at least something to the bleak euphoria of early-mid-1980s post punk, it's rousing, powerful, dark and seductive stuff.
Beachy Head - Beachy Head
1. Warning Bell
2. Michael
3. Distraction
4. All Gone
5. Looking for Exits
6. October
7. Hiddensee
8. Destroy Us.