Beacon
by Two Door Cinema Club
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 56 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 56
  3. Negative: 3 out of 56
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  1. speedybill47
    Jan 9, 2013
    5
    What saves this record is Alex Trimbles, Light Timbre Vocals Sailing above the Overused Guitar and Synth sounds on an unoriginal if not at times annoying drum machine. Next Year being the only Saving grace of this album, Maybe "sleep alone" for Alex's vocals. I think the band seemed to have an unclear objecive of what to do, and took the Sophomore Slump path of just making an album ofWhat saves this record is Alex Trimbles, Light Timbre Vocals Sailing above the Overused Guitar and Synth sounds on an unoriginal if not at times annoying drum machine. Next Year being the only Saving grace of this album, Maybe "sleep alone" for Alex's vocals. I think the band seemed to have an unclear objecive of what to do, and took the Sophomore Slump path of just making an album of Enofications.
    This Album was so anticipated in my mind, yet with other far better relaeses in 2012 to oveshadow this Dud of a record, i hardly bother to listen to it twice. Its not Terrible by any means, but its definitley Incredibly forgettable.    … Expand
  2. MusiclyMade
    Dec 25, 2012
    3
    There is a sense of maturity, yes, but there's also a sense that whatever creativity Two Door cooked up on their debut has evaporated into nothing. There's the odd keyboard sequence here and there, but that's not enough to cover up the lack of ideas this band unfortunately has. Tourist History had everything Two Door had to put on show and that, in the end, has resulted in Beacon being aThere is a sense of maturity, yes, but there's also a sense that whatever creativity Two Door cooked up on their debut has evaporated into nothing. There's the odd keyboard sequence here and there, but that's not enough to cover up the lack of ideas this band unfortunately has. Tourist History had everything Two Door had to put on show and that, in the end, has resulted in Beacon being a forgettable journey, and one that many won't try again.… Expand
  3. owenrw89
    Dec 10, 2016
    4
    There are just three stand out tracks here ('Handshake', 'Pyramid' and 'Sun'). The rest of album blends into one generic alt-indie sound. It might be well sang and sharply produced, but it's also bland and disposable.
  4. ZacharyMatson
    Jun 19, 2013
    9
    An incredible record and an incredible transformation and maturing from their first LP 'Tourist History'. Two Door graduates from the poppy guitars and electric drum beats into a more intimate and personal tale of restless nights and finding a place to rest their heads.
  5. diegonelli
    Sep 15, 2015
    6
    It's a typical pseudo-alternative album, but I still like it. But songs there aren't like WOOO let's dance, they're just for listening on silence, and quietly.
  6. GBushRoblox
    Jun 27, 2019
    9
    While Tourist History was accessible and indie-rock, this album is a strange clash of electronic sounds and a maturing vocals that largely works with some faults. Somewhat solemn and conversational, this album feels like its meant to be listened to in private than played on a stage, which makes it sound alienating in comparison to Tourist History. I think this album gets flak for departingWhile Tourist History was accessible and indie-rock, this album is a strange clash of electronic sounds and a maturing vocals that largely works with some faults. Somewhat solemn and conversational, this album feels like its meant to be listened to in private than played on a stage, which makes it sound alienating in comparison to Tourist History. I think this album gets flak for departing too fast from the breakout debut of Tourist History and hits like What You Know and Undercover Martyn. The sophomore slump certainly hasn't hit Two Door Cinema Club, and while it certainly isn't the most standout indie-rock album of the year, there is still plenty of talent to explore here.

    Recommended Tracks: Wake Up, Sleep Alone, Beacon, The World Is Watching.    … Expand
  7. AgeOfAquarius
    Aug 13, 2021
    9
    Another great album by the band. Two Door Cinema Club really owns their sound, and it pays off in amazing tracks like "Next Year" and "Sun"

Awards & Rankings

95
#95 Most Shared Album of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. musicOMH.com
    Oct 30, 2012
    50
    With only one true standout track, a handful of fillers, and little innovation or progress, it reeks of diminishing returns from start to finish.
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  2. The Guardian
    Oct 30, 2012
    60
    Trimble's contention that Beacon "takes us one step closer to the band we've dreamed of becoming" suggests a work in progress.
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  3. Clash Music
    Oct 30, 2012
    60
    Hard to fault but not the progress we hoped for.
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