Right off the bat, Washed Out's latest release sounds and feels like a progression from 2011's "Within and Without." Though the debut album was a huge step for the esoteric music genre of chillwave, Washed Out's "Paracosm" is somewhat revolutionary. Ernest Greene, the musician behind Washed Out, expanded the spectrum of his project by incorporating more than 50 instruments into the textures of his sophomore album.
Ideally, every step that an atmospheric music act takes after its previous project should not alienate listeners. Luckily, Greene has apparently mastered his craft and welcomes his fans with open arms and layered dynamics.
Each track has so much to offer thanks to all of the instrumentation used throughout, but some standout songs include "Weightless," "It All Feels Right" and "Paracosm."
The album's title track is a perfect example of chillwave: it has everything the genre could possibly allow into its structure without bending into other genres. The mix of dreamy harp trills panning throughout the song and the thumping drumbeat creates an illustrious sense of "reaching."
"All Over Now" brings this record to a close in a very appropriate way. Greene's tired, morose vocals accentuate the feeling of departure as he sings the hook. Simple piano melodies compliment this track in a great way and as they fade out you are slowly leaving someplace. It's almost as if you are beginning to wake from a dream.
"Paracosm" is defined as a prolonged imaginary or fantasy world. This album welcomes us into and holds us in this dream world that Greene has successfully created.
I was not expecting that much from this album for some reason - probably because I enjoyed "Within and Without" so much and couldn't imagine how Greene would follow it up. I could not find a single fault to "Paracosm."
CLICK HERE to stream "Paracosm" right now!
