Seashells and Synthesizers: Exploring What Happened to the Beach? by Declan McKenna
Declan McKenna’s quest for the beach may seem like a search for a lost paradise, but in his latest album, he’s not just asking questions: he’s found it.
The England-based singer-songwriter with hits such as “Brazil” and “Why Do You Feel So Down” returns with his new album “What Happened to the Beach?” This marks Declan McKenna’s third album under Columbia Records, following the releases of “What Do You Think About the Car?” (2017) and “Zeros” (2020).
“What Happened to the Beach?” was co-produced with Grammy-nominated Gianluca Buccellati in the sun-kissed ambiance of Los Angeles, California. This is McKenna’s first album to be, in majority, produced and written outside of the United Kingdom. The Californian influence permeates the sound, elevating McKenna’s familiar feel-good indie style to new heights with coastal breezy tones.
Despite the West Coast influence on this album, McKenna remains grounded in his alternative and psychedelic roots, skillfully blending the two to create a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh. However, he delves into new facets of his life previously unexplored in his discography. From commentary on the music industry and Los Angeles culture, the relationships in his life, to light-hearted songs this album diverges from the purely political content– as heard in “British Bombs” and “The Key to Life on Earth” – McKenna’s fans may expect. The thematic depth and variety of the lyrics align with the new sound, signifying a compelling evolution in McKenna’s artistic journey.
The singles off of “What Happened to the Beach?” serve as a preview of the album's diverse themes and sounds. “Sympathy,” the first single featured in the 2023 rom-com “Anyone But You,” embodies the album’s newfound sense of musical freedom. On the other hand, the second single “Nothing Works” may sound most familiar to McKenna’s fans. Ironically, this song tackles the challenges of navigating the music industry and balancing fan and label expectations. These two singles delivered opposing sides of the album, with the final single delivering the heart. “Mulholland’s Dinner and Wine,” released shortly before the album, offers a sonic exploration of McKenna’s experiences in L.A., capturing the city’s essence. Lyrics such as “We’ll take the golf cart into town/ Drive it around/ Just think of all the things we can do” are an example of the differences in lifestyle McKenna experienced while working on the record in L.A. The melody and rhythm immerse the listener in the coastal experience, evoking the sensation of driving a golf cart themselves. With this infectious charm and coastal vibe, this track is bound to be on repeat all summer long.
The opening track of the album, “Wobble,” sets the stage with introspection that feels very relatable to listeners in their 20s. As he ponders “what happened to the beach?” he paints a vivid picture of loneliness evolving from a private experience to one that now permeates even the most picturesque locales. The soft acoustic tone of this song feels intimate, with a beautiful acoustic guitar as its main drive, setting it apart from the other more production-heavy tracks. This foreshadows some of the songs on the album that hold sadder lyrics while having an upbeat melody.
“Elevator Humm'' continues the conversation, inviting listeners to empathize and relate to McKenna’s experiences saying “I want you to believe you’re just like me.” The guitar on this track creates a beachy airiness, perfectly capturing the sunny inspiration. Furthermore, he continues his critique of Californians, humorously remarking “Just another California tongue/Prove me wrong, but I think they all sound the same.” As a West-coaster myself, this line adds a humorous touch that resonates with listeners familiar with the region’s quirks.
In recent months, my TikTok “For You Page” was filled with McKenna’s cover of the ABBA classic “Slipping Through My Fingers.” When this was released, his voice was compared with Paul McCartney’s, with some reposting the sound saying it was a McCartney AI cover of the song. In “I Write the News,” McKenna does not beat the AI McCartney allegations with strong Beatles influences coming through. This song is the most political on the album, commenting on politics in London and the news systems that societies have in place.
Tracks like “The Phantom Buzz (Kicks In)” and “Breath of Light” offer contrasting yet complimentary experiences. While the former is guitar-driven and rock-infused, the latter is synth-heavy with distorted vocals, reminiscent of Gorillaz. However, I feel they share a thematic thread of whimsy and playful lyrics. They feature lines such as “I'm a cheesecake/Junkie in contrast grief”("Breath of Light”) that demonstrate the light-hearted, non-overthinking, approach McKenna had towards the album. As he told Wonderland Magazine, “[The songs] don’t have to be a full story in their own right or carry a really serious message. We could work on pure inspiration in the moment and let that be the song if it felt right, rather than overthinking it.” This is evident with these tracks, along with the creative sound of many others.
The album concludes with “Honest Test,” “Mezzanine,” and “It’s An Act” consecutively exploring the duality of emotions in a tumultuous relationship. I feel like this is where McKenna’s album slows down, becoming more personal. All three songs are more laid back with guitar-driven melodies that advance through transcendent synth work.
The album closes with “4 More Years,” a short, contemplative piece, that hints at McKenna’s 4-year break from releasing music or perhaps comments on the cyclical nature of the music industry.
Upon an initial listen, the tracks may seem synonymous, but, with further exploration, I think the intricate details of each song reveal themselves. From layered vocals to intricate synth arrangements, “What Happened to the Beach?” immerses listeners in a kaleidoscope of psychedelic and beachy vibes. Each track offers a unique sonic journey, weaving together themes with a backdrop of sun-soaked melodies. Topically, the album offers a wide spectrum from artist-fan relationships and personal relationships to weed. There is truly something for everyone and every mood, making it an album that will be on repeat, offering something new with each listen.
Album Ranking:
Muhalland’s Dinner and Wine
Nothing Works
Elevator Humm
It's An Act
Mezzanine
Phantom Buzz (Kicks In)
I Write the News
Breath of Light
Honest Test
Wobble
Sympathy
4 More Years