A hypnotic blend of jazz, pop, and psychedelia resonates throughout BEAMS, the new EP from cheapskate. Out on June 30th, the EP fittingly embraces sonic and lyrical references to the sun, and the lulling effect of long summer days in general. A serene yet melodically impactful array of productions result, all firmly showcasing cheapskate’s atmospheric and melodic charms.
A sense of warming escapism is conveyed on debonair opener “The Sea,” where chilly keys and illuminated strings traverse seamlessly as a mellow vocal entrancement beckons to escape “to the sea,” — particularly in the context of a turbulent mind, where the calm ebb-and-flow of the tide and ocean-set isolation can feel like a reprieve. The ensuing “Late Nights” audibly captures the nostalgia of late summer escapades, set within a lullaby-like “time to fall asleep,” beckoning that’s set aptly amidst gentle guitar strums and wordless backing vocal swoons. Both moments of string-laden mystery and glistening key-forward passion show in subsequent moments, showcasing enjoyable tonal dynamics while maintaining a serene pace.
Shades of lounge-set jazz and bossa-nova shine on “S.U.N.S.H.I.N.E.” — where slithering brass and suave keys move into a “let it shine,” vocal declaration; it’s another atmospheric highlight on an EP abundant with them. “Easy” arrives next and casts a dream-like spell, navigating across spoken-word vocal accounts and “lips won’t move,” harmonious reflections. Chilled-out rhythms and balmy guitars accompany the alternating deliveries with seamless entrancement, inquiring to “open your eyes,” as the smooth instrumentation envelops. Also featuring two excellent Jim Noir remixes, for the tracks “The Sea and “Late Nights,” BEAMS is a blissfully absorbing success from cheapskate.
Pre-order the EP on Bandcamp.
