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Teen Daze At The Echo: Review

Aeri Koo |
November 6, 2013 | 3:17 p.m. PST

Staff Reporter

Teen Daze performing at The Echo (Aeri Koo/Neon Tommy).
Teen Daze performing at The Echo (Aeri Koo/Neon Tommy).
Up and coming artist Teen Daze finally arrived in Los Angeles at the Echo to promote his new album, “Glacier.” The soft and ambient tunes, reminiscent of those of chillwave icon Washed Out, filled the venue, leaving everyone with chills from the moving instrumentals.

Fans gathered on a mellow Tuesday night to sip on some beers and support the rising musician. The mirrored disco ball was lit, and the chill and casual mood was set.

Joining Teen Daze on his album tour, Camp Counselors quietly made his way on stage. Being a newcomer to Los Angeles, he definitely isn’t a beginner in producing music.

Simultaneously juggling the keyboard, drum set, and vocals, his dreamy electronic beats softly flowed through the speakers.

Following Camp Counselors was Carousel, formed by recent Berklee College of Music graduates Jackson Phillips and Kevin Friedman. Their setup is as simple as it gets: two microphones, two synthesizers, a few pedals, and an electric guitar. Dressed in casual tees and converses, the duo put their own spin on popular covers like Deadmau5’s “The Veldt” and Drake’s “Hold On, We’re Going Home.”

The airiness of their voice drifts with the instrumentals, producing music that’s versatile for both relaxing and dancing. The pair ended their performance with their version of Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own”, sending the somewhat tipsy crowd into a lighthearted trance of swaying and lip singing.

After two hours of conversing with his buddies amongst the crowd, Teen Daze was joined by his three other band members on stage. Each took their positions, with a keyboardist, drummer (who also happens to be Camp Counselor), and electric guitarist.

Carousel opening for Teen Daze (Aeri Koo/Neon Tommy).
Carousel opening for Teen Daze (Aeri Koo/Neon Tommy).

Once we heard the moody rhythms, the band members’ heads bobbed in unison as if it was signaling the start of the show. Teen Daze, also known as Jamison, spent the majority of his performance closing his eyes and tensing his lips.

It was as if he was hypnotized in his own music – like nothing else mattered. It was evident that the only thing that did matter was his relationship with his electric guitar.

Hailing from Canada, Teen Daze poetically describes on his Facebook page how nature has inspired his new “Glacier” album. His inspiration was translated not just in his ethereal instrumentals, but through his minimal body movement.

He stands like he’s lost in a land of his own, isolated from society and nature is his only companion. His pensive thoughts flow to his fingers against the electric guitar, translating them into a romantic illusion you can only wish was tangible.

The consistent instrumentals are wondrous and even a bit mythical. Although lyrics are barely used, the feel that you get from each song gives a different story to tell. Combined with the light whispers of his voice, you can only wonder what the personal meaning is behind each song.

Jamison (aka Teen Daze) with his band (Aeri Koo/Neon Tommy).
Jamison (aka Teen Daze) with his band (Aeri Koo/Neon Tommy).

What surprised me in the end was his sudden burst of energy that exuded with his electric guitar. Remaining composed and gently tapping his foot the entire night, the ending of “Ice on the Windowsill” got a sudden force of energy when the entire band jammed so hard for the last minute that I expected everyone to collapse on the floor from lack of energy.

Once the last note was played, Teen Daze came back to his usual shy manner and softly spoke into his microphone, “Thank you so much.”

Check out a few of Teen Daze's songs from his "Glacier" album here.

Read more of NT's show reviews here.

Reach staff reporter Aeri Koo here or follow her on Twitter.



 

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