Declan McKenna’s third album contemplates modern society
On Feb. 9, English indie songwriter Declan McKenna–best known for his track titled “Brazil,” a commentary on the costs of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and inequity within the country–released his third studio album, “What Happened to the Beach?” The album outlines McKenna’s retrospective outlook on past decisions and viewpoint on looming societal issues, reflecting in the album’s unapologetic freedom.
The opening track “WOBBLE,” sets the scene with sharp, vibrating vocals alongside the plucking of a guitar. The track harkens back to themes McKenna has visited throughout his career, namely commenting on global warming and the negative effects it brings, whilst simultaneously instilling his new sound in listeners.
The third track, “I Write The News,” begins with a soft, liquidated guitar progression that is complemented by freeing vocals that reflect the fluidity of the album. In contrast to the raw vocals, McKenna criticizes the current state of media and social platforms in modern day society. The track’s namesake and charged vocals convey McKenna’s frustration with the way news is presented and consumed, and the manipulation or bias that stunts the truth. The line, “But they roll you a spliff so you can’t refuse,” proposes the idea that the media offers sensationalism to keep its consumers distracted from the real issues at hand.
To continue the thought-provoking narrative, McKenna ponders the performative aspects of being an artist in “It’s An Act.” Through tangy, fluid guitar and mumbling vocals, he also suggests that just the concept of living is, in itself, a performance–commenting on the narrow boundaries conformity creates that stunts genuine expression.
Overall, “What Happened to the Beach?” is a mature, contemplative album. Capturing the complexities of both societal expectations and the human mind that few albums have succeeded in articulating this year.
