Washed Out constitutes my first and favorite venture into chillwave. These broken, blissed-out electronica hip hop synthesizers make you want to wear black spandex and drift into a new level of chill. What began as a couple songs from iTunes quickly blossomed into a whole new appreciation for how music could make me "feel different". I crave this music because there is something very tangible about Washed Out. I can only imagine that dropping acid feels as good as listening to their music. As Pitchfork said concerning their most recent album, "Within and Without is an excellent demonstration of what happens when, even after the buzz-band cycle has faded, you continue to investigate a sound on your own hushed, ambitious terms." IT CHANGES YOU!
Pitchfork further elaborates by saying, "...it's a sly, solid release that can fade into the background but has the ability to jump out and take hold of your ears. It sounds great on headphones and even better coming out of speakers in a car or at a party, where it can breathe a little. "
Now, upon listening this music, you musical geniuses will have the proclivity to draw comparisons to Erasure, Double, and any other 80s dreampop band. I would encourage you postpone the application of these comparisons until completely exploring the album. I remember taking my friend to the midnight showing of Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. Because I had not yet read the book, I loved the experience. I appreciated the film for everything it was. My friend hated the film for everything it wasn't. Explore this band with illiterate ears.
I am not joking - EVERY SONG ON THIS ALBUM POSSESSES AN EQUAL SHARE OF MY LOVE. However, I present the following for your consideration.
A Dedication - Makes me emotional...don't know why.
Amor Fati - A Washed Out staple.
Call it Off - This is the Bonus Track from the album. Where other album bonus tracks feel more like bummer tracks, this one is amazing.
I am lame, and have never heard of this band. That being said, I enjoyed the songs you posted here. I can appreciate this kind of music, but I don't know if it will ever touch my soul like it has yours. I am a lyrics person, and really need to be able to sing along with a song. That being said, I think this is the kind of music that grows on you over time. I liked the Pitchfork reviewer saying it fades into the background (my first impression), but can jump out and take a hold of you (this may take me a few listens). So thank you for introducing me to something new. And please don't ever think you are predictable. The black spandex comment disproves any predictability in your personality. (Please don't indulge that whim.)
ReplyDeleteGreat write up. And I love how we each have a different take on it. The first time you had me listen to Amor Fati I heard something familiar yet fresh - there simply isn't music like this out there today. So while I won't be able to listen with illiterate ears (can't strip away the past), I can appreciate the new things the band brings.
ReplyDeleteI loved it the first time I heard, and I think one of the things you'll understand about me and my musical tastes is that I love music that you can drown in and float on. Washed out is an apt name for the band.