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Filled with fantasy and enchantment Washed Out have managed to conjure up a magnificent follow up to their debut album with Paracosm. If any album can pull you out of your post-festival blues then this is definitely it.
As the meaning of Paracosm suggests, the album explores the concept of creating your own imaginary world. The idea may sound a little ostentatious but somehow Ernest Greene manages to record sounds that will transport you to another realm. For full effectiveness we’d recommend practicing yoga or watering your bonsai tree, but the album is a spectacular listen without any new-age whatnot.
Watch the video for Washed Out's lead single 'Don't Give Up' below
Paracosm opens with ‘Entrance’ and ‘It All Feels Right’ which is reminiscent of a faraway land where the grass is always greener. The palette of enchanting instrumental pieces allows the songs progression to be taken somewhere really beautiful. This is the sound that the summer really needs; where you can be taken back to days gone by of cavorting around in the trees with ripped jeans, muddy knees and the smell of pinewood in the air.
‘All I Know’ is the stand out track of the album with the catchy hooks and upbeat tempo keeping the album away from becoming too sleepy. The track is infused with hippy and electronica sounds to keep the memento going, however the vocal tones allow for a more poppy and mainstream feel. ‘Great Escape’ is the mellower little sister to its predecessor with dreary lyrics and a slightly more depressive and emotive passing.
If weird tonalities, ambitious musical instrumentation and gorgeously crafted songs for the summer are your sort of thing, then prepare to be seriously indulged in decedent bliss.
