Impressing in both understated intrigue and upfront party-set anthemic rock, Beach Party is a stellar new album from Stage Door Guy. The project is well-traveled, described as “born in Manchester, formed in New Orleans and based in SE London.” The release takes inspiration from the world’s madness and tumult, alongside the project’s worldly influences — from New Orleans-inspired guitar blues to “Mancunian beat poetry and classic doo wop street rhymes.”
“I’m Dancing” kickstarts the album aptly, with a title-touting declaration stirring alongside playful guitars. The infectious “Bullyboy” follows with a more debonair rock disposition. The “attitude and gratitude,” vocal sequence proves infectious with its Brit-pop nostalgia and psych-laden nostalgia. The opening bustle of “I’m Dancing” and the ensuing suave intrigue of “Bullyboy” make for a strong one-two opening punch, showcasing Stage Door Guy’s eclectic versatility and consistently melodic strengths.
Highlights are numerous throughout the album. “Ho Ho Ho” struts a gently hypnotic folk styling, while the title track exudes a party-friendly atmosphere in its observational lyrics — “burning to have fun, girls in green and pink bikinis,” — into the contagious “I’m going to a party,” declaration. “Crash Crash Bang” is another highlight in versatility, traversing some sleepy Clientele-esque musings into punchy rock charisma. Beach Party is a riveting album experience from Stage Door Guy.
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“Bullyboy” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
