beta lion - written in sand

Beta Lion

Written In Sand
Villains Records; 2014

3.7 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Beta Lion is a four-piece indie rock band from San Diego who just released an impressive five-song EP entitledWritten In Sand. The boys do indie rock some justice and produce some good original content while the songs will fit in nicely between Deerhunter and Local Natives on your playlist. The aren't redefining any genres or really doing anything that hasn't been done before but with that being said if you are a fan of the so called indie rock you will eat this up with a spoon and be coming back for more. 

The EP opens up the longest and arguably best track of the five entitled  “$15 Ladies.” I thoroughly enjoyed the structure of this tune. It begins with a haunting deep organ that creates an ominous atmosphere. Sporadic heavy drums are methodically implemented and at this point I wasn't sure what to expect. About a minute-and-a-half in is when the organ disappears and transitions to a bass and some of the more expected components of an indie rock band start to surface. As the song unfolds you hear some influence from bands like Interpol and Radiohead. When the chorus hits the band isn't afraid to rock out as the vocalist sings, “She's lost in the wind. She's shaking her leaves surrounded by ornaments. And she's wearing your ring. You're already -- you're already blowing it.”

“Altar Beat” is a punk rock 101 pavement style song while “Escape Signal” contains a catchy almost sweet vocal melody that will get stuck in your head by the second verse. They close with an awesome dance tune entitled “Written In Sand” that had me groovin’ in my chair. Kudos to the bassist who brought an awesome bassline to the party. The synths in the song make the song feel light and poppy but the rhythm section brings a cool juxtaposition that works.

Beta Lion is a fun, better than your average, indie rock band you will want to check out. Written In Sand is a good listen. 

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