Washed Out – Purple Noon

Many chillwave artists have disappeared like a wave hitting the shore, but as Washed Out Ernest Greene’s released another impressive album, 'Purple Noon'....
Washed Out : Purple Noon
8.0 Sub Pop
2020 

Washed Out : Purple NoonWe’re all stuck at home, not doing all the productive things that we once said we’d do if we only had the time.  So, think for a moment about Ernest Greene, who practically invented a whole genre from his bedroom back when you were going out to the bar, his synthesizer chillwave part of the movement towards the keys.  Many chillwave artists have disappeared like a wave hitting the shore, but as Washed Out he’s released another impressive album, Purple Noon.

Despite the record’s title, Noon is decidedly an evening record, perhaps the Purple skies of the setting sun.  The romance in “Too Late” is fading like the sunset, while the synths are smooth on “Hide”.  Even the shine and Phil Collins/Genesis-esque drums of “Time To Walk Away” are infused with loss.  There is definitely an eighties nighttime feel to the album, but that’s a style that has been decidedly on the upswing.

This summer has been an unusual one, maybe the first time one’s wished the season would end quicker.  But this is a lovely fade of the sun on a Purple Noon.

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