Declan McKenna impresses once again on his third studio album, What Happened to the Beach? It follows the release of his 2020 studio album Zeros.

Release Date: 9th February 2024

Label: Because Music / Columbia / Tomplicated

Format: CD / Vinyl / Digital

What Happened to the Beach? is the third studio album from Declan McKenna.  Saying goodbye to his 2017 debut album and the 2020 space-rock excellence of Zeros, McKenna introduces us to a new era of the psychedelic and ethereal. The album has hints of Los Angeles in its influence, where it was written.

We are welcomed to the album with WOBBLE. A series of eerie strings and vocals which turns into a jolly summer guitar vibe. Declan makes his mark on the tune with his iconic tone and a contrast to the strings. It sets the bar high for the rest of the album and leaves the listeners wanting more.

Mulholland’s Dinner and Wine was highly anticipated by fans since May 2023, following its debut in New York. Declan himself stated back in September 2023 that it was the song he was most proud of on the album. There are some Stranger Things vibes in the intro and the hushed beat with dreamy vocals make for an exciting mix. The tune is catchy and the lyrics flow with ease:

“We’ll take the golf cart into town, drive it around
Just think of all the things we can do
Hold up some pubs and hope it pays, give me a raise
Fill up on junk at Supervalue”

Mezzanine was written by McKenna alongside song writing legends Allie Crow Buckley, Brad Simpson (from The Vamps) and Will Bishop. Whilst he’s left behind other albums and embraced a change sonically, there are still elements of McKenna’s previous works such as on My House. 

What Happened to the Beach? ends in an almost cyclical structure; begins and ends in an eerie tone. 4 More Years has a similar feel to WOBBLE and closes the album in a beautiful, yet confusing way.

With the release of his new album, Declan will be performing intimate shows, taking part in album signings across the country as well as his upcoming tour beginning in March. When Declan heads on tour in March, he will be performing at iconic venues across the UK such as his biggest show to date at Alexandra Palace. Check out his tour dates here.

Check out the cinematic video for Mulholland’s Dinner and Wine from What Happened to the Beach? below.

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