Review: Teen Daze — ‘Themes For Dying Earth’

During his tenure as Teen Daze, Jamison Isaak has created a wellspring of songs aimed in a linear trajectory. Those familiar with his previous outings shouldn’t be surprise that his fifth album, Themes For Dying Earth (released February 10th on Isaak’s own label, Flora) is not a departure from previous musical routes, simply a maturing.

Concept and title aside, this record feels inspired. From the glitchy video-game keyboards and Isaak’s angelic vocals on opener, “Cycle” to the highly meditative ending track “Breath,” Themes touches and engages in ways Teen Daze has only hinted at.

As a musician who clearly has a deep attachment to the natural world, Isaak has quietly served those listening, reminders of Earth’s deep wonders and renewal. However, Themes yields a concrete gaze rather than an abstract and fantastical focus. The cherry blossoms on the cover are a present and tangible reminder that whispers rebirth. Not a loud activist, but Isaak’s message is simple; trade the cynicism for encouragement and grow your anxiety and exhaustion into something better.

Not only does Themes work well on paper, musically it might be the most realized work Teen Daze has released. Over five albums and dozens of extras, Isaak is gracefully mastering his art. All ten songs germinate within your place and space. The sun baked melody on “Becoming” is stretched to perfection in 90 seconds while its ghost allows “Lost” to slow dance into an irresistible chorus shared by Isaak and guest vocalist Nadia Hulett. On “Cherry Blossoms” Thrill Jockey Records mainstay and loop savant Dustin Wong joins in. The beginning can only be described as the sound of a sunbeam piercing through, evoking warmth and mystery. The song’s build up adds a dizzying effect as if playing games in the grass, falling over and watching clouds whiz by. After a dozen listens, Themes is easy to be restored by.

On the surface Teen Daze’s sound has always been an easy sell, but it’s Isaak’s persistent push for a better humanity that continues to serve and inform his music. On Themes For Dying Earth, we are given an invitation to join.

(You can listen to Themes For Dying Earth below, purchase it on Bandcamp  and get more info about Teen Daze on Facebook HERE.)

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