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Beachwood Sparks: Once We Were Trees

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The resurgence of Sub Pop has been one of the few happy stories in “popular music” during the past few years. Of course, the famed Seattle label would probably cringe at being lumped into a category with the Slipknots and Aguileras of the world, but their success in the early 90s has—rightly or wrongly—made them the poster boys and girls for the flame-up and flame-out of grunge and alternative music.

[beachcover.jpg] Instead of vainly trying to sign an act who can chop out Return to Bleach, Sub Pop now comes armed with a diverse roster of talent. Bay Area stalwarts Zen Guerilla are the anti-emo; an aggressive band with plenty of testosterone, but rooted much more in loud dirty blues than grunge. Vue and The Murder City Devils continue to gather steam. Perhaps the most surprising addition to the team, though, is Beachwood Sparks, a sunny country-pop outfit from Southern California, of all places.

Their just-released album, When We Were Trees, immediately takes its place among the pantheon of great California albums. It is not, however, an L.A. album, although the band hails from L.A.’s artsy Silver Lake district. These tunes are much more suited to empty desert highways and breezy drives down the Pacific Coast Highway.

Seldom is an album so defined by setting. The obvious predecessor, of course, would be the early work of Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys. Although inspired by the same magic, Once We Were Trees is closer to The Byrds in its marriage of acoustic with electronic and its marriage of optimism with desolation.

The songs veer from classic psychedelia (“Let It Run”) to peppy twang (“You Take The Gold”) to lush lullabies (“The Good Night Whistle”). While most of the album is refreshingly feel-good fare, two of the best tracks (“The Sun Surrounds Me”, “Hearts Mend”) are shrouded in loneliness. The inclusion of Sade’s “By Your Side”—a potential roadblock—fits into the album sweetly and seamlessly.

[beachband.jpg] They have attracted a solid fan base in their native Los Angeles. Included among their fans are Beck and The Black Crowes, both of whom have had Beachwood Sparks open shows for them. It’s no mystery why: Once We Were Trees is likeable, winsome stuff. Next time you go on a westward roadtrip or daydream, be sure to give it a listen.

For more information—including listening to selected tracks and ordering information—visit http://www.subpop.com

Available at fine music stores everywhere.

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