Washed Out: Within And Without

Washed Out
Within And Without
Sub Pop Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Washed Out debut worth its weight in chillwave!

Album Review:
So far I believe that Washed Out is leading the charge as a band critics love to argue about. You see, this one-man synthesizer heavy act is one of the leading artists in the new post-shoegaze genre chillwave. I assume the debate is about all the bedroom acts that are popping up and individuals challenging how hard it is to create a record that uses sampling, looping, effects and occasional receptive filtered vocals by yourself with no band members to fight with. With that said, Washed Out gracefully embraces most of these items in the "chillwave" list on the debut Within And Without and shows that there is a bit more to it then sitting on their computer and messing with Pro Tools. Ernerst Greene is the man behind the record and call it what you want but this album gets in your head and becomes ultra catchy after only a couple spins. The smooth upbeat swagger of "Amor Fati" will have your foot tapping, as the vocal floats over while "You And I", features Chairlift's Caroline Polachek engaging voice, which provides a nice balance and depth to the track and makes it memorable. I believe that albums that can fit into the background are sometimes greatly under appreciated and that is exactly how I feel about Washed Out because it could easily play at your next party. It makes the perfect selection because even though it is supposed to be in the background, Washed Out has plenty of moments that make it shine and I guarantee will still get noticed regardless of howover you classify them!

Key Tracks: "Amor Fati", "You And I", "A Dedication"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Toro Y Moi
Memory Tapes
Small Black

Washed Out Website
Washed Out Facebook
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony