Jaako Eino Kalevi's self-titled debut is a hazy, synth-laden trip through a beautiful dream. Kalevi puts a lot of emphasis on atmosphere, filling up space with extra vocal reverb and electronic fuzz. Though most of the record falls into the dreamy category, there are some darker moments to be found, such as the creepy, new-wave inspired "Deeper Shadows," which complements a sharp, pulsing bass line and some seriously mean lyrics — "No one cares about you and your things / No one cares about you" — with a light electronic flute sound dancing overtop.
It's a cool record that coasts on chill grooves rather than bombastic drops. There is nice contrast on the album from track to track, with tracks such as the poppy, Talking Heads-esque "Say" giving way to the longer, more atmospheric "Mind Like Muscle." Even with these contrasts, the album works well as one full work. The best moments, though, come at the quietest times, with tracks like "Don't Ask Me Why" sounding more like a 1960s French pop ballad than contemporary indie. By not doing much, Jaako Eino Kalevi manages to accomplish a lot.
(Weird World)It's a cool record that coasts on chill grooves rather than bombastic drops. There is nice contrast on the album from track to track, with tracks such as the poppy, Talking Heads-esque "Say" giving way to the longer, more atmospheric "Mind Like Muscle." Even with these contrasts, the album works well as one full work. The best moments, though, come at the quietest times, with tracks like "Don't Ask Me Why" sounding more like a 1960s French pop ballad than contemporary indie. By not doing much, Jaako Eino Kalevi manages to accomplish a lot.