Jeremy Enigk - World Waits

Legendary Sunny Day Real Estate front-man Jeremy Enigk’s much-anticipated solo album, World Waits, is just that…amazing.

The word amazing is used entirely too often in today’s vernacular. Legendary Sunny Day Real Estate front-man Jeremy Enigk’s much-anticipated solo album, World Waits, is just that…amazing, in the true sense of the word. It seems Jeremy Enigk has walked some bumpy roads in the past 10 or so years. From band break-ups, make-ups and a major spiritual awakening, this man has seen good times and bad.

To get to know where Enigk is at now, it’s necessary to look at where he’s been.

A Brief History: Largely influential Seattle emo pioneers Sunny Day Real Estate put out four albums in the mid-late 90s, creating a hugely devoted fan base. In 2003, the guys decided to part ways and three of the four members formed The Fire Theft. (Both projects are on hold.) Enigk went on to pursue his solo career and released Return of the Frog Queen in 1996, a critically acclaimed dreamy compilation of orchestral proportions. Enigk went on to start his own record label, Lewis Hollow, presumably for the creative freedom not being on a major label allows.

Which brings us up to speed.

World Waits is brilliant lyrically and musically, and boasts a rich production. “A New Beginning” starts the album off with a string arrangement, and segways into “Been Here Before,” with Enigk whispering: “There’s something in me cannot smile / Don’t want to spend the day retracing steps / Run away with you toward the light.” The singsong “River to Sea” displays Enigk’s lyrical talent and “City Tonight” has Enigk pleading: “Am I late to the kingdom of love?”

Enigk screams his heart out on “Damien Dreams” and shows just how dynamic his voice is on “Wayward Love,” going back to a whisper and funny time that just works, layered over deep strings. The ukelele of “Dare A Smile” is charming and so are Enigk’s truly human words. (Eyes gone red, voice half dead / Worry of things I can’t control / I need something new to keep me going) The melancholy piano and poetic simplicity of “Hard To Explain” ends the album on a note that leaves the listener…wanting more.

These are the songs of a man who has hope, bound by and wrapped up in the human condition. The spirit behind Enigk’s lyrics and music lies something otherworldly, and he reveals a depth so few artists can break through to reach and deliver. This sort of creativity begs recognition, and that is sure to be exactly what this album receives.

(Lewis Hollow Recordings)