Washed Out “Within and Without” Review

Since the release of his debut EP Life of Leisure in 2009, Ernest Greene, the man behind Washed Out, has been hailed as “Poster Boy of Chillwave.” Yet compared to that bedroom produced EP his latest offering — Greene’s much anticipated full-length debut Within and Without — is a much more polished affair, with Ben Allen (who co-produced Animal Collective’s Merriweather Post Pavilion) lending a hand behind the boards. This cleaner sound may disappoint those who enjoyed the organic haze on his previous work but the album’s sharper production is what elevates Within and Without to much greater heights.

Within and Without is unmistakeably lethargic and summer-soaked through and through, filled to the brim with distorted and echoing synthesizers, dream pop melodies and emotive yet warped vocals. “Amor Fati,” with its throbbing and shifting synthesizers, soaring vocal melt and anthem-like chorus, epitomizes the slow summer feeling that Greene tries to exchange with the listener upon its play. Tracks that follow suit include the underwhelming yet cozy “Soft” with its distant chimes and bouncing drum loop, and the opener “Eyes Be Closed.”

Probably the most commendable achievement of the album itself is found within the tracks that have an element of melancholy surrounding them, yet Greene still manages to immerse them in feel-good phosphorescence. This certainly rings true on “Far Away” with its haunting chiming synths, purring bass and funeral feel strings. Yet despite this the track feels that it is unwinding after a long and draining August afternoon as opposed to being truly sad. “Before” is another drowsy track with its beautiful melody which becomes more intense as the listener becomes submerged deeper into the track. “You and I” is sure to please fans of Life of Leisure with its 80’s pop roots being fully exposed through its plunging synth and chunky bass progression.

Within and Without is by no means the perfect album, the title track is equally as lethargic as most of the other songs on the album, but it lacks a substantial kick which seems needed in order to propel itself into greatness. And whilst the cutesy piano riff which pads “A Dedication” isn’t unenjoyable, it fails to capture the beautifully crafted feeling displayed throughout the rest of the album, leaving it feeling somewhat disjointed. Despite these few minor impurities though, Washed Out’s Within and Without remains a remarkable debut that is sure to turn the conventional summer soundtrack on its head.

[Guest contributor Cameron Jones also blogs at The Audio Beast.]

MP3 Washed Out “Amor Fati”