Concert Review: Washed Out in Columbus
Review & Photos by Jack Foley
Chillwave pioneer Ernest Greene, better known as Washed Out performed in Columbus, Ohio on Sunday, August 11th. The indie icon first garnered attention with the release of Life of Leisure–EP in 2009, featuring the popular track “Feel It All Around.” In his latest effort, Notes From A Quiet Life, Washed Out ventures away from the layered synths and Neon Indian-esque electronica that was standard on the blogosphere post-financial crisis, favoring a more stripped-down audio production while maintaining the facets of Washed Out that first garnered listeners.
Washed Out dished out a magnificent concoction of songs spanning the breadth of his discography in Columbus, OH, this past Sunday. The audience slowly filled in the gaps that had me wondering if the Sunday show would result in a low turnout, but needless to say, the floor was filled. The show began with an acoustic opener, Charlie & Margot, who performed a solo act that was dripping with emotion. However, I do think that there could have been a better-suited performance to warm up the crowd. However, with Babehoven dropping off the tour due to health issues, it is better to have an opener than none at all. I still found myself focused on his music and the stories of heartbreak, tumultuous relationships, and the experience of an artist in lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. His talent is immense, and I wish the audience would have appreciated it more, but Washed Out may not have the ideal fanbase to deeply resonate with an acoustic performance at an electronic show.
The highlight of Washed Out’s performance was the immersive experience provided by way of lyrical and visual projections across the stage in perfect sync. The stage itself was rather unique, his backing band isolated in translucent cubicles that served as the silver screen. Surprisingly, he focused on his latest album, performing all but a handful of the songs. Most artists will err on the side of their greatest hits, sacrificing their artistic vision for the social media clout associated with the classics. Washed Out is an artist with a distinct sound and aesthetic that translates to a captivating stage production with ease. Despite the hiccups encountered on tour, Washed Out has persevered to give his loyal fanbase the privilege of experiencing his art in a live setting.
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