Beatrice Kristi Ilejay Laus, famously known under the stage name Beabadoobee, has returned after two years with studio album “Pylon.” The 14 track indie-rock album establishes itself as one of Laus’s most solid releases to this day. With a new look and sound from the artist, this era from Laus feels genuine. The newfound confidence she has reflects on the quality of the album. To audiences, “Pylon” appears as the result of finally nailing down what works for her after nine years of growing as an artist.

According to Genius, “Pylon” is about feeling homesick, navigating sadness, and understanding unspoken feelings. Laus is an artist famously known for her lyrics. She channels a lot of anger and sorrow on these tracks, making “Pylon” quite the listening experience. She yells, she sings, and most evidently, she makes you feel exactly what she feels. 

Although she has gone viral for multiple singer-songwriter songs such as “Glue Song” and “Death Bed (Coffee for Your Head),” Laus has been progressively foreshadowing going down a more rock-heavy trajectory throughout her music career. Her previous releases “Our Extended Play” and “Beatopia” especially have influences of shoegaze, but nothing compared to what “Python” has just brought to the table. 

“Pylon” has a substantial number of featured artists such as Chino Morenio of Deftones (private music), Brendan Yates of Turnstile (NEVER ENOUGH) and Hayley Williams (Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party). In addition, Shane Moran from Title Fight (Hyperview) and Stephens Hall from Pinegrove (11:11) are listed as songwriters for tracks “Sun Has Set” and “Powerlines.” 

If there is one thing I have in common with Laus, it is loving the sound of a heavily distorted guitar. Her love and admiration for these alternative-rock artists radiate on “Pylon.” She does well maintaining a balance of taking inspiration and staying true to her sound. The tone of “Pylon” reminds me of the shoegaze band julie (my anti-aircraft friend). Both involve merging soft and sweet female vocals with strong, shoegaze-rock tracks. 

A few favorite tracks from the album would have to be “Powerlines,” “Satellite,” and “Memories.” Without a doubt, “Powerlines” is head and shoulders above the rest. Honestly, Laus fits this darker concept more than some of her really pop-heavy hits. That is not to say her pop hits are not great, but I think some of these more alternative tracks demonstrate her talent more. 

She is a great songwriter. I especially have praised her ability to write a catchy vocal hook as a listener of hers for years. “Powerlines” is no different. Like previously mentioned, the sweet and soft vocals mixed with an instrumental that sounds reminiscent of something from “Disintegration” by The Cure (Songs Of A Lost World) really works for her. On paper, this concept sounds awkward, but the execution is wonderful to the ear.

I am confident in stating that “Pylon” is, if not her best, one of her best releases of her career. The cohesive and creative components that went into this project are on full display. If you tend to be a fan of alternative rock music, trust me and take a chance on “Pylon.”