Rating 7/10: VERY GOOD
Declan McKenna’s album “What Happened to the Beach?” is a risk-taking and departure from his previous sounds. This third album differs significantly from his indie rock and 80s synth-pop influences, embracing a more laid-back, groovy style with elements of jazz, blues, psychedelic pop, and shoegaze. The album’s cohesive nature, superior production, and McKenna’s matured musical direction are superb. While some tracks draw close to other artists’ styles, the album is overall seen as a successful experimentation and evolution of McKenna’s sound and is a delightful and intriguing listen the whole way through. Highlights include: “Mulholland’s Dinner And Wine” “Nothing Works” and “I Write The News”.