Britain’s indie Peter Pan, Declan McKenna, is back with a new 12-track studio album, alongside 14 UK and Ireland tour dates.
Seven years have passed since his debut album, ‘What Do You Think About The Car?’ which stormed the country, and amidst Declan’s burgeoning legacy that has seen ‘Brazil’ earn status as a ‘forbidden guitar shop riff,’ the release is quintessentially Declan. His lyrical voice remains crystal clear, delivering the raw honesty we’ve come to love, while crafting diverse, innovative melodies.
The record blends traditional instruments with layered production, resulting in a distinctive sound. Tracks like ‘Elevator Hum’ and ‘Wobble’ start with fingerstyle guitar melodies but evolve into danceable rhythms with a malevolent, surreal sound. Even in acoustic renditions, as witnessed on a Californian beach with ‘Elevator Hum,’ McKenna’s songwriting prowess shines through.
It’s difficult to pinpoint it exactly without resorting to words like cynical or jaded (which might convey a negative connotation), but the album carries a sort of anarchic tone, expressing Declan’s disapproval of the music industry, the current state of affairs, and at times, even himself. ‘Nothing Works,’ released as a single, doesn’t mince words. The track’s opening…
“What’s the point, muffin?
I don’t believe in nothin’ anymore
You tell me I don’t relate to the kids no more
Now I feel like I’m letting them down.”
A self-aware lament.
McKenna understands what he represents to his fans: a vocal activist who has assumed the historic and revered mantle of ‘indie-protest songster.’ He’s previously addressed climate change, trans-related issues, corruption… The list goes on. However, ‘What Happened to the Beach?’ feels like a more irreverent body of work. Poignant in places, but mostly an honest, sardonic, musically brilliant 12-song answer to the question, “How’s it all going, Declan?”
The ‘Mulholland Drive’ – David Lynch theme of the innate malevolence of the anodyne seems to be a source of inspiration. The album cover’s color palette and imagery are ones Mr. Lynch himself would be proud of. ‘Mulholland Dinner and Wine’s’ ironic hedonism is catchy, witty, groovy, but also brilliantly eerie.
“I got a boring apartment and all of the drugs
I’m fucking dangerous, I get what I want
I found love for the little things in life
I’m not satisfied with what I want
I’m back home for a little bit, lovely
Grand don’t come for free, it’s tearing me up.”
Super cool songwriting.
If you’re a Declan McKenna fan or just a music enthusiast, ‘What Happened to the Beach?’ is an awesome listen. The Tottenham fanatic, baby-faced Bowie from Enfield, has come a long way since he beautifully voice-cracked his way into our ears and hearts aged 15, and he makes that apparent with this fantastic release. I don’t think anyone can deny him a position on the Mount Rushmore of current British songwriting genius.
Go on, Declan.
Writing by Leo Marks
Hello! I'm Leo, and my role here is currently 'gig/album reviewer.'
I’m in my last year studying Film and Television at University of Bristol, but when I’m not buried in books (which is worryingly often) or glued to the screen, I’m listening to tunes, attending gigs, and somewhat predictably playing in my undoubtedly mediocre but wonderfully invested student band.
I’m available for reviews of any sort: live events, albums, personal analysis, as well as interviews or even just attending a gig if you've got a spare ticket.
My first ever gig was the Happy or ‘Appy Mondays when I was 15 at the Roundhouse in Camden with my best mate at the time, and it was genuinely incredible. I just remember the crowd feeling like a sea of ecstasy—whether that was medically induced or not was beside the point to me. The whole room was just palpably happy, and as someone who has eternally rued the absence of a modern-day Hacienda, it felt like the closest I’d get. Oh, and Bez gave me a signed maraca!!
Ridiculously cool.
The first gig I reviewed was Nick Mulvey a couple of years back. I never knew I’d get into the reviewing or journalism game, but as an aspiring scriptwriter and music fanatic, it made a lot of sense, and I absolutely love it.
