A stirring mix of wistful people and hazy psychedelia, Lorem Ipsum is a memorable full-length from Brooklyn-based artist Jeff Jakobs. The album’s analog heat and layered instrumentation create an inviting, dreamlike haze, the place string thrives, glowing synths, and dusty acoustic strums intertwine with introspective lyricism. The manufacturing from Eric Gabriel (Soften) enamors all through, as do additions from drummer Jason Burger (Andrew Chook), bassist Joshua Crumbly (Leon Bridges) and guitarist Adam Brisbin (Massive Thief). Stunning string preparations from Oliver Hill (Soiled Projectors) and harmonious backing vocals from Nina Moffitt (Son Lux) additional complement the sound.
“Matter of Time” opens the album with a riveting psychedelic groove. “I’ve walked a thousand miles, day and night time,” a lush vocal introspection lets out amidst jangling guitars and regular rhythms. The debonair vocal immersion expands seamlessly right into a hovering enthrallment, reassuring “all issues go on, so have religion” earlier than a delectably ominous title-bearing swell takes maintain. The observe’s dynamic tonal disposition and constantly melodic attract is exemplary of the standard songwriting all through Lorem Ipsum, from approachable psych-pop delights like this, to the string-laden mystique inside “Shy Like Time” and caressing people stunners like “Little Blue” and “Eve of Parting.”
The following “Witness” is one other standout, and one in every of quite a few tracks that excel with their beautiful incorporation of strings, together with the implausible “Shy Like Time.” “Witness” sees lush guitar pulses and delicate vocals maneuvering with ease, because the “witness the best present of all” vocal indicators an expanse in vibrancy as glistening guitars and vibrant strings intermingle fantastically; its manufacturing enamors throughout each bouncy rock-forward verses and the refrain’ sweeping chamber-pop grandeur. Stirring lyrical poignancy transforms the chaos of contemporary unrest into allegory, the place ringmasters and clowns mirror corrupt energy and public complicity, and the fading spectacle exposes the damaged guarantees of freedom and equality. “Yesterday’s Information” then arrives with a chilled-out blissfulness, enthralling in its mellow vocal harmoniousness and eclectic instrumentation — succeeding throughout icy synth arpeggios and art-rock guitar crunches alike.
The album’s title observe is one other standout, attaining a ’70s people nostalgia — obvious on Jakobs’ debut EP — that’s bolstered by emotively ardent psych-forward expanses. Calming acoustic strums and chilly keys assemble round layers of vocals, capturing a contemporary age dominated by screens and expertise: “There’s a gap in my head, static fills my mind.” On this context, the observe/album title itself — as soon as a filler for thought — resembles a metaphor for language emptied of substance, and a stand-in for real connection. Aspirations to get ahold of oneself in tumultuous occasions additionally stir on “The Worth You Pay For Love,” the place folk-pop and twangy rock cohesion complement lyrical hopes to “overlook the strain in my chest” and being “caught inside my shrunken head” by their lonesome, as an alternative of with one other by their aspect.
Out on October twenty fourth, Lorem Ipsum is a completely satiating success from Jeff Jakobs, unveiling a sound that blends psych-folk, indie-pop, and chamber-pop with sleek ease. The album’s considerate preparations, expressive vocals, and contributions from visitor collaborators coalesce right into a listening expertise that’s each immersive and resonant, showcasing constantly robust songwriting throughout each observe.