Holy hell, I was not expecting this! The sunny pop-influenced Beach Bunny is one of the most exciting new rock bands to come out lately. Led by dynamic frontwoman Lili Trifilio, they are currently jumping out of speakers with the amazing “Dream Boy” and look to a bright and rewarding future. Their debut, all twenty-five minutes of it, is nothing but a sheer delight. From the opening jangle of “Promises,” the band is in full control of their sound and utilizes their youth and talent to the utmost degree, putting a lot of older bands to shame with their melodies, songwriting, and sheer exuberance.
When listening to songs like “April,” it’s clear that Trifilio and company have studied the playbook of Best Coast. With bright, sunny melodies and lyrics about heartbreak and growing up, not to mention the lo-fi qualities of the guitarwork and the shimmering vocals, Beach Bunny has been able to co-opt the Best Coast book and make it theirs; they stand out on their own as a result. The sounds of “Ms. California” throws me back to a female indie rock singer-songwriter vibe I don’t think I’ve heard like this since the ‘90s, and it’s a very good feeling to hear this again in a modern setting. I don’t think it can be said enough, but this is going to be a band you’re going to want to keep up with because their future looks very bright.
The power and uniqueness of “Dream Boy” is what brought me to the band in the first place. It’s the type of song I hope I never get tired of hearing, it’s just that good. Powerful and heavy with amazing lyrics, it’s one of those tracks that makes you hit repeat over and over again. Just do it; you’ll be pleased with yourself.
The sprightliness of “Colorblind” really showcases the work of the rest of the band, guitarist Matt Henkels, bassist Anthony Vaccaro, and drummer Jon Alvarado and allows it to be known how great musicians they really are and what they bring to the band as a result.
Even when the band slows down the tempo and goes for the quiet balladry of “Racetrack,” it doesn’t feel out of place. Everything feels like it should be right where it is. Even though there are only nine songs here, you feel satisfied at its completion and one is ultimately rewarded with one of the most interesting and excellent records of the year. This is definitely a band with a bright future.
