Teen Dream, the long-awaited third release from Beach House proves the Baltimore duo’s still got it. A noticeably different release, the new album sounds like they’ve emerged from their signature sinister, attic-dweller sound, providing us with an added upbeat dimension we’re not yet familiar with, but will soon know and love.

Beach House dropped a big hint about their new sound with their first single “Norway,” introducing a lighter, cheerful side. Album opener “Zebra” is unassuming and innocent, holding onto their core style, but introducing something brand new. All of the same Beach House elements that we know are present: the cheap drum machine, Alex Scally’s masterful guitar comping, Victoria Legrand’s unique voice and droning keyboard. But when the chorus builds with a steady crescendo and gently crashes into a promising pulse, the majestic chords signal that this is a different kind of animal.

The bedroom pop aesthetic of “Silver Soul” lifts and carries sweetly in a slow-flowing honey haze, like a deliciously drawn-out makeout session. Legrand’s vocals are breathy and mature, crackling over lucid waves of Scally’s guitar. “Walk in the Park” is upbeat but still rolls out the fog machines with emotive lyrics. Still the creamy Beach House we already know, this head-bobbing track sounds like “Gila 2.0,” but now less menacing; brighter and more hopeful. The bubblegum kick drums and unrecognizable energy of “Lover of Mine” stand out as a showcase of the pair’s true sonic abilities. The tempo carries through to the sparkling “Better Times.” Channeling Stevie Nicks, cascading organs and tambourines accent the duo’s vocals as we gallop with sleigh-ride rhythms. Teen Dream closes out with an anthemic lullaby called “Take Care.” Gorgeously peppered guitar, gauzy ooh-aahs and rushing drum machines climax with Beach House’s true forte: an extra-long and delicately layered breakdown.

Beach House’s new album moves away from their dark sound, but not to a remote location. The songs continue to float with the shadowy ease that we know and some new throbbing rhythmic elements that we’ll grow to love. Beneath the salve of Teen Dream are its lyrics which fit the album’s title and developing dimensional sound appropriately — closed chapters, new beginnings, adventure, heartbreak, love, and most obviously, growth. If this is what Beach House is growing up to be, then I think we’re in for an awesome adolescence.

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