Teen Daze – All Of Us, Together

Score: 7.0/10
Lefse Records
Teen Daze

“There are countless reasons on why a person would create something; my reason is to bring people together, to let them know that they’re not alone.” All Of Us, Together validates Teen Daze‘s musical mission. His debut LP is designed to be shared with others; whether it is loafing on the beach on an endless summer day or on the dance floor with a group of friends. His bedroom project is layered with the feel-good elements of chillwave: pulsing beats, sun-drenched synths, and enough good vibes to throw even the most bitter of misanthropes into a state of free loving Zen.

Teen Daze, who hails from Fraser Valley, near Vancouver, graduated from Columbia Bible College with a degree in Music. Daze has previously discussed how religion plays an important role in the music he creates, saying “I see a lot of similarities between a worship service and a rock concert.” All Of Us, Together is an expression of his spiritual outlook. It is a celebration of life itself. The fleshy beats layered with tranquil melodies and calming ambient sounds make it impossible not to feel good. Songs such as “Late” showcase his ability to create a perfect balance between the natural and synthetic world. The song opens with quick static tones that, although sound artificial, rouse images of raindrops.

All Of Us, Together is relaxation with a heavy pulse. Although the pace shifts regularly, each rhythm blends into the next, eventually creating a momentum like many hearts beating together. Songs “Treten” and “Cold Sand” are Teen Daze at his most relaxed; the gentle melodies play over strong beats. The pace picks up in “Brooklyn Sunburn” and “Erbstűck”, two club-friendly songs with vigorous pulses and cascading synth hooks.

Teen Daze is keeping the chillwave movement alive and fresh, perhaps coming in a little late after its peak in the Summer of 2010, where artists such as Toro Y Moi and Neon Indian popularized the genre through their interpretation of the sounds of 80’s electronica. All Of Us, Together succeeds in what it sets out to achieve – good vibes. Adversely, it does not achieve much else. The lack of innovative experimentation works for and against it – it is non-invasive and easy to enjoy, but eventually has a dulling effect.