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It’s been over a year now since the last time I got to see Beach House play here in Boston.  That event, a much tamer sit-down affair at the Museum of Fine Arts, was an entirely different experience.  Back then, the band had minimal stage decoration and were enshrouded in vibrant projections.  I recall it being a pretty magical experience—sort of like the feeling that goes along with getting sucked to the wall of a carnival ride. [What was that ride called again?] I expected nothing less when they took the stage Sunday night at the Paradise.

The first noticeable difference came with the stage design.  It seems that Victoria and Alex did some serious decorative shopping.  The whole stage was adorned with gleaming objects, all of which continuously changed color.  The suspended diamonds were eye-candy enough for Beach House’s soundscape.

Interestingly enough, there wasn’t much else visible.  Later in the show, Victoria jokingly apologized, “I hope you can all feel something.  There isn’t a whole lot to see!”  This didn’t seem to be a problem for the crowd, and was definitely fine by me.  I was just surprised the band was able to play so flawlessly in such minimal lighting.

The set was a healthy combination of old and new.  The highlights for me were Teen Dream jams “Used to Be” and “Walk In the Park,” and the [barely] oldies-but-goodies “Gila” and “Heart of Chambers.”  In any case, the songs felt a lot bassier and more fitting for the live setting than I remembered.  This time around, the crowd was swaying, dancing, and doing everything a seated venue prevents.

My only complaint is that the show seemed to end a bit early.  I guess from the band’s standpoint this isn’t the worst thing in the world.  Beach House is definitely welcome to come back and brighten up my Sunday night anytime they like.