By Julia Sheth
Arts Editor
Vance Joy was not kidding when he titled his latest album “Dream Your Life Away,” as his soothing album is imaginative and refreshing, almost like a dream.
Joy, also known as James Keogh, is a Melbourne-based alternative singer and songwriter that has gained a large following in the past year, beginning with the release of his debut North American hit single, “Riptide.” In addition, even though “Dream Your Life Away” came out recently, VH1 already recognized Joy for his new album, naming him one of the “You Oughta Know: Artists on the Rise.” Joy is now scheduled to begin his first major headline tour, “Dream Your Life Away World Tour 2014,” in mid-October.
Throughout “Dream Your Life Away,” the highlight of Joy’s music is the detailed rhythms he creates, which is rare in Joy’s genre. These rhythms, crafted primarily through the use of syncopated guitar riffs and muffled drumbeats, add an element of individuality to Joy’s tracks.
The way in which Joy’s rhythms differentiate his music from that of others gives his music a distinct sound in which he plays with the combination of relaxing and intense beats. However, the pauses in Joy’s music add even more meaning to his rhythms, as they enhance the music’s build up, giving it a sense of purpose.
However, the main selling point of Joy’s creative rhythms is that they are the foundation for his fluid melodies. Although the styles of his melodies range from relatively upbeat, like in the tune “First Time,” to the slower, more thought-provoking sound of “We All Die Trying to Get it Right,” all of his tracks have smooth melodies that seamlessly intertwine with his well-planned harmonies.
Through the melodies, the sounds of the guitar, piano, and drums in Joy’s album graciously flow in and out of the spotlight. Each time that a different instrument is highlighted, the tone of the track changes, from faster tempo, intense tones during the drum portions, to intermediate, acoustic sounds during the guitar sections, and slow-paced, classical sounds during the piano portions.
The most impressive example of this fluidity is the track “My Kind of Man,” as it is an ideal combination of the sounds Joy has to offer, creating a tranquil yet energetic atmosphere.
Joy’s rhythms and melodies are combined to ultimately define his calming style. They encapsulate his distinct tone and are able to carry the mood of Joy’s songs, even if his lyrics do not give as much insight into the overall meaning of the songs.
This is a rare achievement as many artists in the modern era who deal with melancholic songs do not put as much emphasis on the instrumental music as they do the lyrics. However, through the moods that Joy’s music creates, he overcomes these barriers of lyric-heavy songs to make a much more fulfilling and substantive album.
Overall, Joy works wonders in his debut album “Dream Your Life Away” by using complicated, distinctive rhythms to highlight well-planned melodies and further display his personal style.
“Dream Your Life Away” was released on Sept. 8 for $8.99 and is available digitally and in retail.
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