A Thousand Words is Styrofoam’s (Arne Van Petegem’s) first album on the Nettwerk label, and it features a lot of the refined and digitally lush sound that was on his releases on the Morr label.
While Styrofoam sings on a few tracks himself – effectively, at that – he enlists about a half dozen musicians to contribute their own vocals on A Thousand Words. The album begins with the quick shuffle "After Sunset" and the fuzzy bounce of the title track before Jimmy Eat World singer Jim Adkins takes over on "My Next Mistake". Adkins’ vocals give the digi-pop a more emotional edge, just as the other guest vocalists give each of their tracks a simple, but noticeable, variety. Pop artist Erica Driscoll gives sincerity to the more serious "No Happy Endings" while Blake Hazard of The Submarines makes "Microscope" soar. Folkster Josh Rouse gives a cool, almost haunting performance on the mellow "Lil White Boy". Overall, each special guest adds a spiffy dimension to their track, and Styrofoam seems very comfortable with sharing the creativity.
A Thousand Words takes yet another step in the direction of bringing chilled-out electronic music to the radio, as Styrofoam makes some truly beautiful melodies and lets (perhaps) more accomplished singers/friends take it to the next level. The album is relaxed and inspired at the same time, and ultimately gives pop a good name.
