The Beautiful View

By My Nguyen Jan 9th 2012

Based in San Diego, The Beautiful View is mainly comprised of group members who grew up in Chula Vista (translated in Spanish means, Beautiful View), a city close enough to Tijuana to feel affected by the border violence headlining in the news, but removed enough for kids to safely play in the streets under the conservative banner that makes up San Diego county.  Perhaps it’s with this delicate balance between two entirely different regimes so closely aligned together, and yet coinciding as if they are world’s apart that makes The Beautiful View such a hard band to coin.

With influences and correlations from all over the place, The Beautiful View’s loud, oftimes gaudy sound in life is beautiful has connotations of punk enmeshed with classic rock with an operatic feel.  And with touches of Alien Ant Farm’s sound detected as well as far-reaches of The Airborne Toxic Event entrenched in the clever hooks and melodious sound, it doesn’t come as a surprise that TBV’s music emerges as a bit mainstream.

But gleaming with a little of glam rock in-between the epic backbeat and tight sound, perhaps radio music would pale in comparison.  Towards the second track “The Spaniard,” The Beautiful View makes it plain that they are an Alternative band, but as the incoming tracks on the album compilation elicits, TBV is able to retain a rawness that still makes them relatively indie.

Starting at “Mercy is a Cold Shower,” the guitar riffs and disparaging vocals shows that TBV’s debut LP can get yet even more dynamic and cohesive.  In life is beautiful’s fifth track, “Bells” as Aaron Magnan (vocals, guitar) sings “I’ve been waiting for you with bells on/ liberty bells/silver bells/and all hells on—,” the track should immediately signal to the world that TBV is a band to be reckoned with.  And while their debut full-length officially drops Jan. 10^th, the Chula Vista-based quartet is definitely making waves with a local tour, SXSW, and a national tour in the works.

Towards the 7^th track, “Ides of March,” (Wiki defines ‘ides of March’ as middle of March and the date of Julius Caesar’s assassination), you can see where The Beautiful View has perfected their sound.  Dripping with condescension and a killer ease, the song speaks of betrayals, and definitely has a psychedelic feel with a bit of reggae, and a surfer vibe.

The Beautiful View’s music has that same epic appeal that grows with every listen.  “Always Only Me” is about a loner seeking love.  Like an anthem for the soloist, as Magnan sings “Just keep the light on/Love will keep the love on,” you feel the modulations of emotions exhibited in the track especially after the great guitar solo near the end.

With an eclectic sound, you can see The Beautiful View’s influences are from all over the board.  TBV has elements of all classifications under the rock umbrella as well as the genre’s influences, but overall they have a really cool sound.  With great musicianship and happening vocals, be sure you grab your copy of life is beautiful, which comes out Jan. 10^th, or be sure you catch The Beautiful View live.  Loud and distinct with approachable vocals and a tight sound – just imagine them live.

For more info, please visit http://thebeautifulview.com/