Depression Cherry

Her ability to sound at once comforting and heartbreaking on the bookends "Levitation" and "Days of Candy" speaks to the sensuous nature of Depression Cherry's, and Beach House's, melancholy; it's like a flavor or color that can be savored, even in its simplest incarnations. Scally and Legrand reintroduce some of Bloom's fullness on "PPP" -- which almost sounds like it was produced by Phil Spector compared to the rest of the album -- and "Sparks," which with its dense keyboards and cooing vocal harmonies could be a collaboration between Stereolab and My Bloody Valentine. Elsewhere, the influence of the duo's more recent work is more subtle, revealing itself in the sophisticated minimalism of songs such as "10:37." While it may not be as immediately inviting as Bloom or Teen Dream, Depression Cherry is more than just an admirable exercise in challenging conventional notions of success. It's a grower that demands and rewards close listening -- especially under headphones, where it unfolds like a spell cast just for the listener.