Teen Daze is not just another one-man band churning out the ever-popular chillwave tunes that sound like they came straight from a bedroom recording session. Rather, A Silent Planet is a celestial experience inspired by author C.S. Lewis. Albeit a rather short experience, reigning in at just under 25 minutes, the artist (who simply goes by Jamison), has created chillwave without the flashy synths and harsh dance beats. A Silent Planet is a minimalistic approach on the genre, relying on simplicity in beats and instrumentals.
Taking inspiration from the Lewis novel, Out of the Silent Planet, Teen Daze’s own effort soar with lofty, expansive tracks. A Silent Planet is an invitation to explore the haunting soundscapes within each track. Opener “Surface” features barely distinguishable lyrics that fade in and out amongst erratic, but mellow guitar. “Watch Over Me” makes use of these same whispery vocals, glistening over the light plucks of romantic strings. The track begins icily, before tumbling into a frenzy of vocals and guitar, transforming into a warmer version of chillwave, complete with a pop attitude, by the song’s close. “The Harvest” is one of few other moments that pick up, drifting from the overwhelming feeling of permeating slowness. Beginning with hazy, poppy vocals like that of Memory Tapes, Jamison’s cooing cascades over guitars thick in dreamy reverb. Closer “Malacandra” gives one last taste of the vast space the album strives to create. With shimmering guitars and vocals echoing amongst one another, it is a suiting sendoff for the album.
Chillwave is an over used term, but with A Silent Planet, Teen Daze truly has created the most composed and listless of vibes. The album is brimming with twinkling gems that sound plucked from the space it was inspired by.