Life of Leisure
Washed Out · 2009
17 min · 6 tracks · synth-pop
Dreamy synth landscapes intertwine with lo-fi grooves, creating a nostalgic yet modern soundscape that defines chillwave aesthetics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Feel It All Around — As the standout track, it encapsulates the EP's dreamy essence with its infectious melody and laid-back vibe, becoming synonymous with the chillwave aesthetic.
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New Theory — This track combines lush synths with introspective lyrics, setting the tone for the entire project while showcasing Greene's unique approach to songwriting and production.
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Get Up — Kicking off the EP, this song establishes an upbeat energy that contrasts with many tracks on the record, illustrating Greene's versatility within his signature sound.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Life of Leisure effectively captures the chillwave aesthetic with its dreamy soundscapes and cohesive production.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo groove with layered synths and soft vocals, while the last three tracks introduce more varied textures and pacing.
- Each track features a prominent use of reverb and delay effects, creating a dreamy atmosphere that is characteristic of chillwave.
- The EP closes with 'You'll See It', which employs a fade-out ending, leaving a lingering sense of nostalgia.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dreamy soundscapes for relaxation
- nostalgic vibes for sunny days
- short bursts of chill energy
- for evening unwinding
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of intense dynamics
- prefer lengthy immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Life of Leisure is Washed Out's debut EP, released in 2009 during the rise of the chillwave movement. At this point, Ernest Greene was transitioning from a bedroom project to a recognized artist, as the EP gained traction through online sharing and streaming platforms.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Toro y Moi· Neon Indian· Tycho
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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New Theory
The lyrics shift from reflecting on isolation to embracing connection represents a pivotal emotional transition within the song.
This shift deepens the thematic complexity, moving from personal introspection to a broader commentary on relationships.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Get Up 3:01
- 2 New Theory 2:51
- 3 Hold Out 3:29
- 4 Feel It All Around 3:15
- 5 Lately 2:02
- 6 You'll See It 2:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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