Declan McKenna Releases ‘What Happened to the Beach?’
Written by Nina Fedai
Declan McKenna’s latest album, What Happened To The Beach? is a brilliant critique of societal norms, spanning themes from climate change and media manipulation to conformity and existential uncertainty. It stands as a defiant rebuke to the pitfalls of capitalism, resonating with listeners seeking thought-provoking commentary in their music.
Opening with "Wobble," McKenna sets the tone with themes of transition and transformation that permeate the album. As he reflects on life's changes, he invokes a sense of nostalgia, contrasting past simplicity with present complexities, laying the groundwork for introspection.
Just as the title suggests, “Elevator Hum” comments on isolation and uncertainty. The opening lines express a feeling of detachment and desire for connection, while his observation of “another California tongue” critiques the conformity and homogenization of culture. McKenna challenges the idea of uniformity and individuality, with a push for authenticity to the listener.
In “I Write The News,” McKenna acknowledges his role in presenting information but also suggests a degree of scepticism regarding the accuracy and objectivity of mainstream news sources. Commenting on consumerism and corporate culture, he questions the true cost of seemingly trivial perks, hinting the the underlying exploitation and inequality inherent in capitalist societies.
“Mezzanine” shifts the focus inwards, through a nuanced exploration of personal growth, relationship dynamics, and the quest for authenticity. Here, he truly captures the complexities of navigating life's uncertainties and challenges while asserting the importance of staying true to oneself and embracing the journey of self-discovery.
Likewise, “It’s an Act” delves into a battle of authenticity, emotional expression, and the facade of appearances. The struggle between putting on an “act” and being genuine is a major tension for McKenna, but he also questions the authenticity of others' behaviour for the same reasons. The closing lines, "The truth is, I miss you like hell," reveal a longing for genuine connection and intimacy amidst the facade of appearances. Despite the superficiality and pretence inherent in social interactions, he acknowledges a deeper emotional bond with the other person.
Lastly, McKenna closes the album with a 48 second track titled “4 More Years,” a very powerful phrase that I think encompasses the message of the entire album quite well. While some fans speculate that this alludes to the release of his next album, I personally believe there's a more profound significance to be uncovered. Being a deeply politically charged album, "4 More Years" serves as the definitive declaration addressing his articulated frustrations and discontent with the state of the world. In an album that addresses the current shortcomings of the world, this outro, while simple, is powerful in its ability to evoke various emotions and reactions. By sharing his thoughts and feelings about these issues through his music, using his platform as an artist to engage with his audience and spark conversations about important social and political issues, What Happened to the Beach? is not merely an album; it's a manifesto for change, demanding attention and reflection from its audience.