Being a multi-instrumentalist, Arthur Nasson has complete creative control in everything he does, and Echo Garden, his sixth release, is no exception. With twists and turns at every corner, and an overriding sense that, in places, you are listening to an experiment.
For instance, the record is split up into three parts and yet seems to comprise a cyclical narrative, always referring back to a key set of musical moments. These experimental tendencies, though, are often offset by the sheer barrage of pop moments.
After kicking off with intro track “Summer Drops”; “Bounce” then springs into life, mixing genres; giving a fuzzy modern rock feel over a 50’s boogie-woogie piano, all produced with an FM pop sheen, yet still retaining a lo-fi edge that will keep listeners guessing.
The first part of the record continues in this upbeat pop vein until it reaches the sixth track, “Bubblefish Part 2,” at which everything clams down and begins to segue into the second part. This is easily the most experimental, accomplished and interesting section of Echo Garden; with “Psycho” sounding like a creepier version of something Randy Newman would’ve written for the Toy Story films, while album standout “Drift” does exactly that, drifting along like the best of Brian Eno compositions.
After this electronic excursion and upon reaching “Echo Garden Theme Part 2” you are treated to the sublime doo-wop of “You Wouldn’t Understand,” as the third part continues to collect musical cues from across the album and tie them together. It’s a bold move on Nasson’s part, but one that certainly pays off, giving his record an appropriate sense of closure. The only place he falls short on is on the cod reggae of “The Other Side,” and the Beach Boy-echoing, but essentially soulless “Unglued.”
Despite being eighteen tracks long, Arthur Nasson has the good sense to keep everything as concise as possible at thirty-nine minutes, so that it never out-stays its welcome; going from upbeat to heartbreaking in seconds, and leading to an unforgettably surprising listen, meandering as it does through genres, as well as themes.
Part Two is clearly the strongest section of Echo Garden, perhaps taking the listener outside of their comfort zone, but safely returning them for a satisfying conclusion to an extremely well thought out record that will certainly leave an impression on those willing to follow.
Conclusion – A treat for those willing to be challenged.
The voice of raitolnatiy! Good to hear from you.