| On Violet, Boy In Static employs the full sonic spectrum in creating beautiful aural pastiches. Reminiscent of Junior Boys, this record bathes the listener in a wash of tone and noise, utilizing production techniques as an additional instrument and creating song structures without pumping bass roots or consistent guitar. Instead of rock arrangements, you will hear accordion, drum loops and sleigh bells create a dense bed for reverb-soaked vocals to rest on through “First Love,” while looping piano blankets the titular track. Boy In Static manages to use their sound to great variety. “Where It Ends” finds Boy In Static at their most driving and imploring, with a chorus that sounds like The Postal Service at their best. “December” hits a similar, mid-tempo stride and brings electronic snare crashes and guitar into the forefront of the mix — a rarity on a record driven mostly by booming bass and tom samples. “Without Grace” sounds like a modern update of a 1950s ballad, with e-drums, synths and general noise replacing the swaying trio of backup singers in matching suits. Though some of the string parts on Violet seem like samples of screechy violins, “Tear Down” stands out with stellar guitar work and impressive string arrangements, which alternate smoothly between support and soloing. The string and tambourine breakdown is particularly surprising and well done. “Catching Death” also uses string arrangements to beautiful effect. Alexander Chen, the mastermind behind Boy In Static, should be commended for his unique ability to layer disparate tones over one another and produce combinations that sound like long lost perfect matches. The album is so consistently good that its stumbling blocks are hard to pick out. The vocals are absolutely doused in reverb, which is alternately beautiful and tiring. With the plodding “Leave You Blind” clocking in at a hefty 7:53, it becomes apparent that some of the songs could do with a minor bit of trimming. It’s clear, though, that aside from the vocal hooks, Boy In Static didn’t set out to make a straightforward pop record. Despite the mammoth track lengths, Boy In Static is still interesting at every point, and as the record challenges you as a listener, the songs remain accessible enough to enjoy on all levels. Violet is a perfect album to listen to while driving or walking contemplatively after dark through city streets. Boy In Static has crafted a true mood album, a sonic dream that everyone should experience. - Performer |
1XLP/Out Of Print