Chillwave can be either super boring or very compelling. There’s a grey line and a lot of opinions as to what works in the emerging genre, but it’s evident Washed Out is anything but boring. Ernest Greene does fantastic work on his newest effort, Within And Without, weaving a concise yet fluid batch of synths and drum samples. It’s probably like the neo-electronic stuff bound to come out in a couple decades, where the ’80s make a huge comeback, and where choppy samples and Duran Duran-inspired vocals blend together with a fresh sound that’s hard to put in words.

As far as gems go, the catchiest track in the album is undoubtably, “Amor Fati,” which sparkles with tinging rhythym and infectious synth loops. Where some electronic artists would gush about heartbreak, Greene opts for icey reservation and lyrical ambiguity.

Within And Without is very much like a dream, but a dream that’s difficult to forget. Upon more repeats the album blooms, ending up being what one makes of it. Play it in the backround and find it a nice mood-setter, or soak in it and you’re likely fall in love with Washed Up’s hazey style.

(Sub Pop Records, 2013 Fourth Avenue, Third Floor, Seattle, WA 98121)