Unraveling the Musical Journeys of Three Artists

The World of Washed Out

Singer/songwriter/producer Ernest Greene Jr. presents his fifth electronic opus. Buying a 20-acre Georgia farm and converting it into his artistic haven has given a super cozy feel to the album. Tracks like "Waking Up" and "Got Your Back" are gracefully multi-layered, with his warmer vocals tying everything together. However, around the halfway point, it slips into a comfortable rut with very similar songs. The overall effect is a collection that is more effective when taken apart rather than experienced all at once.

It makes one wonder if Greene needs more excitement on his farm. The album leaves us questioning whether it's a must-buy or just a passing musical experience.

The Realm of Toro Y Moi

American singer/songwriter/producer Chaz Bear releases his eighth album, "Hole Erth". His catalog is known for its eclecticism, ranging from indie rock to chillwave. This time, it's a lo-fi hip-hop experiment with clicking beats, affected voices, synth squiggles, and busy verses. There are guest stars like Duckwrth and Kevin Abstract, but sometimes Bear feels like an emcee among varying acts rather than the star of his own show.

The tracks bleed into each other, and the tempos and melodies all sound too similar. While "Tuesday" is a cool throwback and "Starlink" is a great closer, too much of "Erth" just feels like it's there without making a strong impact.

The Domain of Porches

The New York indie pop outfit Porches is back with its sixth album, "Shirt". Singer/songwriter/musician Aaron Maine uses it as a creative outlet, with each album reflecting his current musical tangent. The earlier records were mostly electronic, but guitars have become more prevalent.

"Shirt" feels like his heavy experimental record with distortion and jarring rhythms that aren't accidental. Tracks like "Return of the Goat" and "Joker" work well as both bold pop tunes and brash heady experiences. Maine proves he can handle the challenge, and most of the album has merit. Even when it doesn't, the music is at least interesting, and the short song lengths prevent the flubs from lingering.

In conclusion, these three albums offer unique musical experiences with their own pros and cons. It's up to the listener to decide if they are worth adding to their collection.