In August, chillwave gurus Washed Out gave us Paracosm, one of 2013's warmest, most embracing records. Upon its release, mentioned the album's "variety of lush soundscapes and irresistible grooves," all of which have only gotten better as summer slowly transitioned into fall and eventually winter. Most of what I said back in August still holds true; each track is just as bouncy, light, and smile-inducing as ever. The tranquil "Entrance" still paints an idyllic scene, with the sounds of nature lying under a simple, sleepy riff. Even the colorful album cover says "summer," matching the general tone of the music.
The standout tracks from my early review still sound great, but it's the other tracks which have grabbed my attention in the interim that merit a full-point jump up in score, from the original 8.2 to today's 9.2. The beautiful weirdness of "It All Feels Right" is created via the use of harps, strings, and nostalgic lyrics. In the chorus, Greene purrs, "close my eyes/think about the old times/what's it all about?/the feeling when it all works out." "All I Know" still soars in all of its 80's-inspired glory, soaked with synthesizers and a rhythm Depeche Mode would be jealous of. "Falling Back" and "Weightless" float high atop Greene's smooth vocals and wave upon wave of keyboard.
