Reviewed: The Child Readers

The Child Readers - Music Heard Far Off
Soft Abuse




Loren Chasse and Jason Honea tinker in a world full of wonderment and imagination throughout Music Heard Far Off. Combining improvisational techniques with orchestrated blueprints, the duo have carved out an album that comes from the worlds of Narnia or Teribithia—but do not mistake the childlike melodies of Chasse and Honea as an album aimed at children, though on some level Music Heard Far Off could be aptly titled Baby’s First Experimental Album.

Then again, what child would be willing to hear the shrills and cries they themselves emit? Music Heard Far Off, while never abrasive, does tend on the side of noise bleed. High pitched instruments and low-end production marry into an album’s worth of in-your-face experimental pop. Like the mythical lands from which Music Heard Far Off could have come, before you see the light you must battle the dark.

Chasse and Honea excel at blending melodies both light and heavy. For every track that focuses on the plucky sounds of hushed guitar and whispered words, there is an opposite fueled by spiteful melodies and muffled production. As the album’s title suggests, Music Heard Far Off is rife with the sounds of everything that is just out of reach. Just when the album is ready to cozy up to you with its glowing embrace, it shoves you further away and gives you a cold shoulder. Think of it as your first love and perhaps you’ll understand the draw to hot and cold. It’s that alluring quality that will also cause Music Heard Far Off to hypnotize.

Highlights: ”Young Worlds-Try to Hear!”, “A Loved Thing/Gull’s Blood”, “Son of Man”

Similar Sounds: Richard Youngs, Rafter, Animal Collective, Times New Viking