Washed Out - Within and Without
Just when you think you've heard enough synthpop this year to last a lifetime, along comes a debut record that could, quite arguably, be the very best of the lot. Georgian (as in the state, not the country, although I've now got a craving for some Eastern European synths) soloist Washed Out has already amassed some considerable praise for this, his first record, after a handful of EPs and free downloads. But for Ernest Greene, this success has possibly come out of nowhere. And let's face it, it's rather difficult to stand out as an electronic artist at the moment. Even down to the fundamental pop successes where seemingly the least talented are most rewarded (Guetta, Chase and Status) but in the indie environment too, where even I (and I consider myself to be in the shallow end of the online pool) have probably reviewed 50 electronic albums this year. But even if it's for the artwork, Within And Without is one such stand-out. Opener 'Eyes Be Closed' could f...