Album Review: Bell House by Shy Boys

Named for the building that served as the bandmembers' longtime base before life events took them to separate residences, Bell House is the nostalgic second LP by Kansas City's Shy Boys. It follows their promising 2014 debut by four years. In the meantime, the indie pop group expanded from a three- to a five-piece, signed with Polyvinyl, and opted for higher-fidelity production that spotlights their lush, '60s-styled vocal harmonies.

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Luscious harmonies, scratchy guitars and shuffling drumbeats abound on Kansas natives Shy Boys' second full-length Bell House. Making the step from High Dive Records to Polyvinyl, home to fellow Alex Chilton-enthusiasts Beach Slang, we find the band in a contemplative, sun-kissed and half-stoned mood, throwing out brief, blissful pop reminiscent of Real Estate or perhaps Nap Eyes; that sense of hazy afternoons and long, cool nights that the best, most horizontal of indie pop can conjure is captured perfectly here by the Rausch brothers and compadres. A dusting of melancholy draws out the delicate flavours of gorgeous, chiming ballads like the incongruously titled 'Evil Sin' ("If you want to be my friend, don't ever lie again"), while a strong '70s power pop sensibility informs songs like lead single 'Take The Doggie', allowing room for some delectable Peter Buck-style ascending guitar lines amid the wash of sweetly whispered vocal.

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Preaching sounds of joy, Shy Boys have a unique, harmonious charm on their second album, Bell House. Made up of brothers Collin and Kyle Raush, and their friends Kyle Little, Konnor Ervin and Ross Brown, the Midwestern ensemble are far from as timid as their name suggests. They aren't afraid to belt out a hard-hitting verse, giving us tender, heartfelt anthems.   For a short album — only ten tracks in 24 minutes — it doesn't take long to recognize the beauty of Bell House. The shimmering richness of the Raush brothers' vocals are ….

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In the four years since they released their self-titled debut, Shy Boys have undergone a metamorphosis. Known for glossy harmonies subdued by lo-fi production, the Kansas City, Missouri quintet showcases bubblegum surf pop on its sophomore album, Bell House. Sleeker production allows Shy Boys to showcase their sunny falsettos, while creating a peculiar time warp: Their new music feels refreshing and nostalgic at once.

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