Washed Out - "Paracosm" Review

Artist: Washed Out

Album: Paracosm

Label: Sub Pop Records

Release Date: August 13^th, 2013

Review by: Sean Kayden

“Paracosm” is the sophomore album from solo artist Ernest Greene who performs under the moniker, Washed Out. His 2010 album, “Within and Without,” received generally favorable reviews as it made him a well-known figure in the rising chillwave scene. While I was never a fan of his earlier work, it wasn’t until this release that I found myself completely enthralled by his latest material. The songs off the debut record never impressed as they merely played as background tunes. Nothing jumped out and I was quite underwhelmed by the project. As for now, Greene has written and crafted songs that are more free, open and expansive. The nine ornate tracks off “Paracosm” possess more texture than his previous outing. A deeper resonance is at play with “Paracosm” without the artist compromising his initial sound. If anything, Greene has artistically grown and ventured out rather than simply being pigeonholed as a one-note chillwave performer. “Paracosm,” true to its meaning, places you on a fantasy island to run freely and wildly.

Ultimately, “Paracosm” is a peaceful and serene record. The delicate and somewhat psychedelic arrangements unfurl slowly on many of the songs, particularly on the title track. The song “Paracosm” really has a way of mending one who’s feeling down and out. Lyrically speaking, it’s pretty straightforward. When listening to Washed Out, it’s more of a feeling one gets with the multilayered sounds that drives the songs rather than the lyrics. The experience from listening to “Paracosm” is definitely a memorable one. The tranquility at hand is blissful and escapism permeates throughout. Danceable tunes are still present within this album, but it’s on a different playing field from before. More idyllic than ever, “Paracosm” has Greene at his best—a place where he accentuates his strengths and dips into a much broader soundscape.

The record’s carefree vibe is soothing and satisfying. With the abundant amount of instruments at his helm, Greene isn’t tied down to just synthesizers. He flourishes with the layered sounds that make for an effervescent aura. “Don’t Give Up” is quite the jam. One of the more upbeat tracks, “Don’t Give Up,” segues into R&B territory. No doubt about it, the song will put you in a trance. Ultimately you wish it never comes to an end. In conclusion, the nine (more like 8 complete) songs won’t change you in anyway, but perhaps become the soundtrack to the moments in your life that seek you out rather then you seeking them out. “Paracosm” is a fully layered, escapism record that demonstrates a musician growing creatively. The world created here is definitely a place we’d all like to be, even if the trip is short-lived.

Grade: 8.3 out of 10

Key Tracks: ”Don’t Give Up,” ”Weightless,” ”Great Escape,” “Paracosm”

Published by Mountain Views News on August 24th, 2013
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v07/htm/n34/p14.htm