Beabadoobee returns with new album ‘This Is How Tomorrow Moves’

This Is How Tomorrow Moves is the third album from singer-songwriter Beatrice Laus, better known by her stage name, Beabadoobee. On this record, Laus’ sugary ballads flow effortlessly into her powerful indie-rock tracks. 

For younger listeners, there is a distinct sense of nostalgia that comes with Laus’ music. She embraces the sounds of the early 2000s, especially on tracks like “Take A Bite” and “California.” The catchy lyricism and powerful instrumentals on “Take A Bite” set a strong tone for this album, but “California” is even better. The build-up in the bridge is phenomenal. Laus has perfected a breathy and playfully bratty vocal delivery which, when layered over crashing drums and unrelenting guitar riffs, creates a striking sound. This impassioned performance carries over to the self-aware sarcasm of “One Time” as Laus shouts over an intense instrumental breakdown. (“Keep on faking just to make it / What’s the point of fixing problems?”).

Laus waltzes through “Coming Home” with the same glittery expression as her hit single, “Glue Song.” She hits her stride on slice-of-life tracks that capture the beauty of the everyday. (“I’ll do the dishes, we’ll carry the load / Because we have time”). However, the vulnerability of “Girl Song” is polished to the point of insincerity. The slow instrumentals tell you that you should be moved, but the track simply doesn’t hold up. It lacks the richness and depth of something like “Ripples,” (a track off of Laus’ previous album, Beatopia) which successfully executes an equally sentimental chord progression.

“Ever Seen” is one of my favourite songs off of this album — I’ve been blasting it in the car nonstop. This song is euphoric and carefree — it sounds exactly like summer. Even though her voice is on the softer side, Laus excels when it comes to building momentum in her more energetic tracks. Laus has previously experimented with bossa nova influence in her music, but “A Cruel Affair” fully embraces the genre. The groovy guitar and soft drums are sure to have you swaying.

Laus closes this album with her speciality — beautiful, introspective ballads. “The Man Who Left Too Soon” is short and sweet. The minimal production allows Laus’ heartfelt vocals to stand out. She reassures herself by explaining that the moon will always unite her with her loved ones, regardless of the physical distance between them. (“But we both looked at the sky and thought / ‘At least we look at the same moon’”). The twinkling instrumentals in “This Is How It Went” give the song a unique charm. The bridge offers a poignant reflection from Laus. Her voice floats over the delicate, velvety string accompaniment as she addresses her prior relationship. (“And it was my song / Oh just a song / You made it worse just by singing along”). 

Despite the variety between tracks, This Is How Tomorrow Moves is still a cohesive and focused record. Over the course of her career, Laus has crafted a sound that is distinctly her own. Her honeyed lyrics and playful vocal delivery sets her apart from the oversaturated indie market. On This Is How Tomorrow Moves, Laus continues to embrace these strengths, but executes them with a sense of maturity that differentiates this album from her previous work.