Chad Vangaalen: Shrink Dust

- There comes a point for most pop musicians when they will undergo scrutiny for releasing something that is catered towards a new audience that isn’t liked by old fans. The reasons for this change of direction are numerous and varied – a yearning for fame and fortune, a sudden interest in the occult, an obsession with Native American instrumentation, etc. For Chad VanGaalen, however, pinpointing the main inspiration behind the change apparent in his new album Shrink Dust isn’t so easy. The phrase “sell out” briefly comes to mind, faintly echoing in the distance; mingling with the delayed, washed out vocals from Shrink Dust’s psychedelic lead single Where Are You. Sounding a little like Radiohead covering Tame Impala, the recording is somewhat unsettling for those familiar with the refreshingly unique quality of his last psych tinged single Peace On The Rise, from 2011’s Diaper Island LP. However, this isn’t music for the masses. It’s just not classic Chad Van G. Those familiar with the artist’s discography will know of VanGaalen’s undeniable pop sensibility, but this has often been counterbalanced in the past with his penchant for the bizarre; combining surreal lyricism with experimental instrumentation and unsettling melodies to craft hauntingly beautiful pop songs. No Billboard hits, but beautiful songs nonetheless. These works are often accompanied by hallucinogenic animations created by VanGaalen himself, such as the brilliant sci-fi inspired film clip for the aforementioned Peace On The Rise. While the above characteristics are apparent on Shrink Dust, one cannot escape the feeling that they have been watered down for broader appeal. Tracks like Monster and Leaning On Bells come across respectively as uninspired folk and garage rock, poor mock-ups of contemporary bands who have already drained their initial inspiration source. In comparison to VanGaalen’s previous albums; his vivid, highly imaginative artwork; and production credits for the sadly now defunct Calgary band Women, it is fair to feel a little let down by the safety of Shrink Dust. However, that is not to say that the album lacks beauty or substance. Tracks like Frozen Paradise and All Will Combine soar with pop perfection, elevated by VanGaalen’s effortless vocal delivery and musicianship. But that may just be the problem.. It all sounds a little too easy. - Dusty Anastassiou.