Life of Pause by Wild Nothing (Captured Tracks)

Jake Tatum, aka Wild Nothing, released his third album, Life Of Pause, Feb. 19 to long-awaiting fans. Compared to his first two albums, Tatum has outgrown his sound and is clearly trying to push the envelope and evolve.

Life Of Pause is undoubtedly better than Tatum’s first two albums, with catchier tunes and smoother rhythms. However, the album sounds all too repetitive. One can’t distinguish one track from another because they all blend together, sounding the same.

Vocally, Tatum leaves his fans wanting more. Fans were blessed with a couple verses like, “And I don’t believe in heaven/But, baby, you can be my church/If you let me pay you a visit,” from “A Woman’s Wisdom.” Alas, almost every track lyrically ends before listeners can hear the poetry, and they are left to make do with the instrumental portion.

Tatum does a fine job of incorporating different types of instruments, keeping the beat going constantly. If he isn’t making poetry with his lyrics, he does so with his instruments. From keyboards to xylophones, it’s hard to find a dull moment.

The first two tracks, “Reichpop” and “Lady Blue,” are euphoric and trancelike, sending listeners into a daydream state with Tatum singing, “I’ll try and do face for now/Trying this new face that I can’t see,” from “Reichpop.”

Tatum has clearly improved, and it’s important to acknowledge how far he’s come—Life of Pause is one of his most polished works of art. However, he falls short of his poetic potential.

—Dilkush Khan