Teen Daze
Morning World
Paper Bag Records
Laced with crunchy guitars, tastefully used strings, and plenty of synthesizers, Morning World sounds cinematic at times, like it could soundtrack a dialogue-free film or a commercial. The newest release from British Columbian musician Jamison, better known as Teen Daze, starts out with a Vitamin String Quartet-esque orchestral tremolo, reminiscent of Trent Reznor and Atticus Rossβs work in The Social Network soundtrack. The song then shifts into the mellow, cyclical sounds of the opening track, which sets the tone for the rest of the record.
The work as a whole evokes an image of driving on the highway at dusk, returning home after a long road trip. The light is fading, the lights of the cars and cities along the way are blurring.
This record feels more accessible and less electronic than past releases β think less cerebral chillwave, more indie pop/rock and shoegaze. By incorporating a wider array of studio instrumentation, Jamison really broadens his sonic colour palette and creates a work that feels warmer, more human.
Album highlight βPost Stormβ feels simultaneously epic and fragile, while βAlongβ is downright groovy. βLife In The Seaβ is possibly Teen dazeβs most commercial-sounding tune yet. What weaken the album are Jamisonβs vocals, which are grating at times β Jamison shines brightest when creating beautiful instrumental quilts.
Overall, Morning World is easily Teen Dazeβs most accomplished release to date, and is definitely worth considering.
β Maria Sokulsky-Dolnycky
Artist Website: teendaze.bandcamp.com
Label Website: shop.paperbagrecords.com
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: TEEN DAZE – MORNING WORLD
Maria Sokulsky-Dolnycky