Chanel Beads epitomizes the essence of a scene band, spearheaded by producer Shane Lavers, a prominent figure in Manhattan’s Dimes Square. Their performances, often in packed lofts and bars, draw crowds of youths born in 2004, snapping photos on point-and-shoot cameras, clad in oversized pants. In downtown hangouts like The River, you’re likely to be asked, “Have you heard the latest Chanel Beads singles?”
My introduction to Chanel Beads mirrored this sudden ubiquity, especially in Dimes Square. It began with their single “Ef” from last year, a mesmerizing blend reminiscent of the Microphones, Enya, and Gang Gang Dance. “Ef” shattered my preconceptions, leading me to view the band as a sort of Drain Gang for the art school crowd. Their music felt innovative, a seductive fusion of eclectic synths that let Maya McGrory’s vocals soar in a dreamy, almost narcotic manner.
Their debut album, “Your Day Will Come,” builds on these dreamlike themes, reveling in unexpected juxtapositions. It’s simultaneously Lil Peep and Massive Attack; Prefab Sprout and Yung Lean—a testament to artists deeply passionate about music, who can navigate every twist and turn of Steely Dan’s “Aja” and boldly ask, “What if we added some rap here?” While such a risky approach often teeters on being gimmicky, Chanel Beads more often than not achieves sublime beauty.
“Your Day Will Come” seeks the sweet spot between whimsy and sincerity, infusing elevator music with acoustic guitar chords or layering Seinfeld-style slap bass on the velvety track “Embarrassed Dog.” Tracks like “Police Scanner” blend hand-clap drum loops and shoegaze guitars with Lavers’ vocals, creating a vibe reminiscent of watching Ren & Stimpy reruns in a basement—paranoia pop, one might say.
Amidst its enigmatic melodies and ethereal production, “Your Day Will Come” exudes a peculiar beauty. The album is anchored by the ambient outlier, “Coffee Culture,” a gentle blend of strings, synthetic choirs, dulcimers, and digitally-treated wind instruments. It serves as a soothing interlude, a moment of serene silence. Chanel Beads’ brand of New York cool isn’t born of apathy but of authenticity. “Your Day Will Come” is cool because it’s genuine—a reflection of caring about your art, perhaps even with a touch of humor.
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