SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: TEEN DAZE – MORNING WORLD

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 Ross’s 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 – 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 “Post Storm” feels simultaneously epic and fragile, while “Along” is downright groovy. “Life In The Sea” is possibly Teen daze’s most commercial-sounding tune yet. What weaken the album are Jamison’s vocals, which are grating at times – Jamison shines brightest when creating beautiful instrumental quilts.

Overall, Morning World is easily Teen Daze’s most accomplished release to date, and is definitely worth considering.

– Maria Sokulsky-Dolnycky

Artist Website: teendaze.bandcamp.com
Label Website: shop.paperbagrecords.com