It’s deeply captivating to follow an artist through the chapters of their musical journeys, taking turns and paths into new territories, hearing and seeing them mature, stretch, and build their songwriting muscles. Peeking into the keyhole of Wild Nothing’s new album, Life of Pause (Captured Tracks), and then joining Jack Tatum in his grown up listening lounge is not only a joy, it’s an entry into his world.
Tatum has said that when he approached the songwriting for this third album (Gemini, 2010; Nocturn, 2012), “I just kept things really simple, writing as ideas came to me,” and that release and letting go, writing from a point of allowing, is evident.
On “A Woman’s Wisdom” the mood is relaxed, effortless, and styled for the afternoon spring breeze, while still personifying layered, captivating textures. The opening track, “Reichpop,” wafts in space, then bubbles and bounces to a rain-induced rhythm, feeling reminiscent to Bombay Bicycle Club and Dutch Uncles.
The heartbeat picks up on “Japanese Alice,” driving and dancing to a mid-90’s melody. Through to the swing and sway on the last track, “Love Underneath My Thumb,” Life of Pause is an album meant to be listened to from beginning to end, preferably in the car or on the floor of your own living room with headphones.
There are many intricacies within Tatum’s organic and electronic instrumentation, and while his previous two albums are beloved ones for this Wild Nothing fan, experiencing these new collection of songs is what one would hope for and more.
Wild Nothing has been and will be a busy bee in the touring seat, with Jeff Haley on bass, Nathan Goodman on guitar, Jeremiah Johnson on drums, and Matt Kallman from Real Estate on keyboards. Having performed at SXSW last month and the west coast this week, they’ll be in Denver this Saturday, April 30 at the Bluebird as part of Red Bull’s Sound Select’s stellar artist development program. Inner Oceans and Flaural are also part of the bill, which is only $3.00 with RSVP http://win.gs/AprDen.
The following week Wild Nothing will be part of Canadian Music Week in Toronto, playing the Opera House on May 5. In June it’s a festival fan favorite, Field Day in London, “Super excited for this one,” Tatum posted on Facebook. “My birthday is on the 10th so you can find me transcending during Air’s set while I gain another year.”
Buy Life on Pause in all its forms here.
