By Ashley Paskill
The Vancouver-based electronic project of Jamison Isaak, known as Teen Daze, released Themes for a New Earth recently and is available now for purchase digitally and on vinyl as well as for streaming via FLORA (the band’s own label). He shifts away from his usual indie dream pop sound and ditches the vocals and embraces the classic markers of ambient music on his eleventh release. This album is a must for anyone desperately needing to relax and escape from the chaos and stress of a crazy world, if only for a little while.
Themes for a New Earth is comprised of ambient electronic sounds that combine instruments in a way that makes you feel like nature is talking to you. Teen Daze moves you through these sounds utilizing a soundtrack for themes of growth and renewal, and encapsulating nature’s ability to both calm and passionately inspire. The titles of each song set a story and tone that accentuates images of lucid dreams. Teen Daze was obviously influenced by nature when making this album. In an age where musicians use song lyrics to spread hate and division, it is nice to have such a peaceful instrumental album.
The overall feel of the album is beautiful and serene in a time where music and life, in general, are stressful. Many electronic albums are too eccentric and loud, but Themes for a New Earth has instruments that blend nicely and are cohesive, making for a hypnotically tranquil album.
Overall, the album is a glimpse of peace in a chaotic world. Its rich instrumentals and smooth sounds make it an album that can be fallen asleep to and delievers you into sweet serene scenes. This beautifully crafted album is one of the best chillwave and shoegaze albums I have heard in a while.
Rating: 100% peaceful and totally serene
