"Beach": Indie singer-songwriter Christian List renders thoughtful performances on the summery, tuneful album.

In pursuit of leaving indelible impressions on listeners, Christian List has embraced the challenge every artist faces: one of evolving, venturing into new territories, and setting even higher standards—ergo, gaining a broader appeal and forgoing the status quo. The singer-songwriter, after a productive window of time under radio silence, has returned with the cornerstone album "Beach" that embodies a smooth and mellow signature in its orchestrations alongside passionate vocals in the lead— all telltale signs of a flourishing artist on the cusp of further breakthrough.

Right from the onset of his musical journey, the nearly forty-minute-long debut album "Still A Long Way" notably stands out with the variety in genres. The opening "L.A. When It Rains" is an affectionate ballad filled with glimmering keys and vocals that evoke warm, fuzzy feelings akin to being in a newly-initiated romance. Other tender records exist, although in a different mold, such as 80s pop nostalgic "Run" with buoyant guitar riffs and glistening, neon-washed synth pads, performing a feel-good, uplifting chorus. Taking a contrasting and bolder turn, Christian set aside genre-spanning indie-pop ambitions for a more intimate, heartfelt endeavor, "Spirit" (2023), which showcased the crooner's ability to craft stirring tunes on stripped-back acoustics. This compilation of songs again served as a highlight, accumulating several thousand listens on different songs listed within the seminary album.

Inspired by a greater creative mindset, the songwriter has expanded the minimal soundscape of his preceding work into something more bustling, summery, and radiant on "Beach." The welcoming track "On The Beach" is brimming with a contemplative performance, droning pedal steel guitars, and subtle percussions in the background of a radiant, steady folk/indie-rock arrangement. Tempo quickens on the carefree "Some Of Us"— the lightly chiming guitars and brisk drums deliver a grabby Country/Americana rock tune, getting close to the sounds of The Eagles, Tom Petty, and others.

As expected, the troubadour switches lane with "The Girl Who Sold Her Face"— closely reminiscent of 80s pop icons such as Don Henley and Bryan Adams with synth-powered soft rock ballads; the track reveals pristine and atmospheric arrangements in reverberating guitars and misty pads. The briskness also resonates through the following tracks: "Everything Fades" takes a similar route with a dreamy hook, while "Through The Motions" employs a buzzing synth, both set on a dynamic cadence from the drums. Notable mention in this category also would be "Wet," where a driven rock rhythm dominates alongside striding synth as the bass, complemented by the melancholic, twanging elements of Country and Folk.

Simpler instrumentations might be rarer on this project, but equally well-done. On the waltzing and bluesy "Only One Thing," the simpler and melodic composition supports the earnestly emotive vocals, marked by the presence of lofty organ chords. The conclusion "Weightless" witnesses the vocalist in an identity crisis— vulnerability echoing through the pared-back instrumentation and despondent, emotionally distant lyricism; a soul-baring rendition acting as an impactful and resonating finale.

Listen to "Beach" on Spotify, and follow Christian List on Instagram and TikTok.