It’s difficult to imagine a more appropriately-named artist than
Washed Out. The bedroom recording project of Ernest Greene, the Georgia native’s music is woozy and deeply nostalgic, sounding something like the sonic equivalent to a
Polarioid picture.
His debut EP,
Life of Leisure, is built around trance-like electro beats and warm washes of dreamy synthesizer. The lyrics are almost indiscernible, densely layered and swathed in a warm blanket of reverb. The cinematic swoon of “Feel It All Around” seems like it’s unfolding in slow motion, as tinny drums clatter against purring keyboards and twanging surf guitar (which I’m pretty sure is actually keyboard) for three moments of pure, soothing bliss.
Rather than the ’80s-influenced laser-beam synths that have become so prevalent over the past few years, Washed Out sounds closer to ’90s electronica—which makes sense considering that Greene is 26, and would have been in high school when bands like
Boards of Canada and
Air first gained recognition. Closing track “You’ll See It” especially recalls this era, with a propulsive techno beat that could have easily been turned into a dancefloor anthem; Greene, however, overlays it with daydream vocals and woozy keyboards, meaning that it’s more likely to put you to sleep.
It’s pure summer music, and is bound to evoke memories of sitting on the beach on a hot July day. Even though we’re almost in December, the effect is the same, and
Life of Leisure makes for the perfect seasonal escape.
It’s out now via Mexican Summer.
