CD of The Week

Beabadoobee - This is How Tomorrow Moves (Dirty Hit)

Beatrice Laus, who performs as Beabadoobee, has experienced a meteoric rise ever since her first, lo-fi recordings emerged in 2018. Six years later, she is already on her third full-length album after opening twelve dates of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour last year. Receiving that kind of opportunity, especially when emerging from the indie world, would naturally create pressure to tailor your approach to a growing audience. For Laus, that means working in Los Angeles with Rick Rubin and making a clear attempt to write more emotionally straightforward material. Overall, this results in a successful album, although one wishes that the knotty, anxious rockers that characterized Laus’s past two records were more plentiful.

One of the hookiest tracks, “Take a Bite,” opens the album with tense guitar work (both acoustic and electric) weaving in and out of the pretty central melody. The lyrics are clever as well with Laus noticing that she is “craving expectations / that are unattainable temptations.” The song has been a deserved hit. Meanwhile, “California” and “Post” go harder into the distortion with fuzz acting as a layer on top of power chord-driven, anthemic choruses.

Much of the rest of the album is specifically going for a mellower, more mature sound. “Ever Seen” is probably the best song in this vein with poignant lyrics and a slight twang that may owe something to her megastar former tour partner. The tenderness of Laus’ voice shines on the piano ballad, “Girl Song,” which is emotionally affecting in its exploration of both body image issues and the struggle of trying to live up to the best version of yourself. Yet, some of the folkier songs meld together and do not leave much of an impression.

In interviews promoting the new album, Laus singles out Fiona Apple and Elliott Smith as two major influences on her songwriting. Sonically, neither really feels that accurate, but if Laus aspires to have the vulnerability, wit, and adventurousness of those two iconic singer-songwriters, then her third album is a step in the right direction. The variety of lyrical perspectives and tuneful hooks are admirable, but some of the low-key arrangements could use more of a spark. However, Laus only just turned 24 and the potential for a truly great album in her future is still quite high.

Beabadoobee will bring these songs and more to Philly for a sold out show at The Met on Sunday, September 8th.
Review by Sol