Beach Slang
The Things We Do To Find People Who Feel Like Us
Reviewed by: Ziggy Merritt
The transience of youth always seems to be at the forefront of Beach Slang’s own James Snyder’s mind. Self-destructive behavior and the thrill (or boredom) of a life allowing such a loud, boisterous existence is also par for the course and undoubtedly transparent on Beach Slang’s debut album, The Things We Do To Find People Who Feel Like Us.
The Philly natives have gained an impressive amount of traction over the few brief years they’ve been in existence. Repeated exposure via NPR and live shows that are never wont for blistering excitement have allowed them this traction and a far-reaching outlet to express themselves. Just a glance at the title makes their current goal crystal clear and like their prior EPs they preserve the pure pop-punk attitude that has put them in a class of their own.
Their debut is short of course, reaching just under a half hour in length. Any recent slew of similarly styled artists from Worriers to Cayetana have condensed their songwriting into just a few furious minutes. Like their contemporaries, Beach Slang uses this approach to great effect even when crooning against the gentle wave of acoustics on “Too Late to Die Young.” Everything has a dedicated, organic purpose. As a result nothing here feels phoned in or dishonest. In a word (or two): true punks.
Snyder’s orchestration of authentic frustration is glowingly apparent, but this is what propels his debut past the previous recordings as Beach Slang. Tracks like “Noisy Heaven” and “Bad Art & Weirdo Ideas” are not just expressions of youthful rebellion. They communicate with their intended audience of self-styled losers and blissfully intoxicated bohemians trying to carve out a place for themselves.
Rating: Iconic
