Washed Out | Within and Without [Sub Pop]
The proliferation of the "chillwave" genre, thanks in large part to an increasingly disparate populace and the musings of some bro named Carles, has become such a phenomenon in American counter-culture that it's now impossible to tell where the hype ends and the backlash begins. But in the midst of the knee-jerk reactions and overly dismissive/submissive audiences lies Ernest Greene's Washed Out - perhaps the scene's most notable act - just sitting there, chilling.
2009's Life of Leisure EP set critics and bloggers ablaze with its languid take on house and electro; and while Within and Without is hardly a drastic evolution, it does feel remarkably assured and fully-realized for a debut full-length. Those familiar with Greene's work need only one glance at the above artwork to know what they're getting into: sensual, atmospheric pop that's as much for the soul as it is the ears and legs - which is exactly what Washed Out originally aspired to be. No gimmickry, no bait and switch - just tunes. And damn good ones at that.
Within and Without is out July 12th on Sub Pop Records.
MP3: Washed Out - Eyes Be Closed