Step Away From Dreamy Electronic<\/p>\n
Awake is Tycho\u2019s third album, but the first after his breakthrough Dive. Now I could talk your ear off about the struggles of the follow-up album for an artist. It\u2019s a real trope in pop music, but for Tycho\u2019s turn to bat, none of it seems to apply to him. While I can\u2019t say it was unanticipated, he takes a step away from the dreamy electronic ambience of Dive for Awake, and it works. It comes off as the life-long companion to Dive. With prevalent featuring of acoustic instruments, the album creates a more vibrant and upbeat world, turning down the otherworldly nostalgia if only for a more realized look to tomorrow. The lovely trance atmospheres evoked on tracks like \u201cAscension\u201d are lost in this transition, with only \u201cL\u201d and \u201cDye\u201d to recall the slower, glazed moods on Dive. Awake also finds itself being more danceable, with the chugging guitars and the faster beats.
\nWith all the subtle changes, the album feels to have gone in a new direction instead of simply one-upping Dive. It\u2019s for the better, as it makes it feel fresher \u00a0than a simple Dive2.0 would have. Despite this though, Hansen does step a bit close at times to a cheesy reminiscence of New Age. He never fully commits to the sound, but I\u2019d be lying if it doesn\u2019t find itself lingering about the album\u2019s sheeny shiny cleanliness and recollections of \u201cbettering for tomorrow\u201d. It\u2019s something to be conscious of, but is easily overcome in just how much expertise comes across through the album\u2019s arrangements.
\nWith the oh-so-important follow-up out of the way, I\u2019d say Tycho has gracefully cleared the most dangerous pitfall in his career. With his direction established, I\u2019m already excited to hear Tycho #4. I just wonder if it\u2019ll have a big circle on the cover too.<\/p>\n
Recommended Tracks: 3, 2, 1, 6, they\u2019re all pretty great
\nRIYL: Dive, Boards of Canada, Com Truise<\/p>\n
Reviewed by Doug Bybee on 4-7-11<\/p>\n
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