If you're not familiar with the name Jeremy Enigk, I have only one conclusion: you've been living under a rock for quite some time. Enigk is best known as the frontman for Sunny Day Real Estate - a band whose reputation should precede themselves - and The Fire Theft - an offshoot project of Sunny Day Real Estate. In addition to those acclaimed projects, he has recorded a fair amount of material on his own, most notably his debut solo effort, Return of the Frog Queen. And after a ten year wait, we have his second solo offering, World Waits.
"A New Beginning" is an operatic opening to Word Waits. The song is very much a declaration of a triumphant return, even if Enigk never did leave the world of music. The music combines instruments of all sorts, but it is the stringed instruments and harkening bells that truly distinguish the song. All this builds up to "Been Here Before." Enigk delivers a mixture of indie and pop music - even including an organ - not unlike that recently displayed by the likes of Coldplay. On this song and throughout the album Enigk gets help from numerous friends - over twenty artists contributing their abilities. Unfortunately, the liner notes do not distinguish who helps where, just how their talents were included.
"River to Sea" follows and is a bit more subdued, featuring acoustic guitars and soft drumwork. "City Tonight" reverts back to the pop formula, though it is a bit more upbeat in nature as a result of some distinct keys and programming when compared to the rest of the tracks on World Waits. While I could go on and on about the music, it is Enigk's vocal abilities that truly highlight World Waits. He really does has a beautiful voice that compliments the music he has composed - and his range is just impeccable. Everything from the lower register and heartfelt crooning - "Damien Dreams" - to soaring melodies and high-pitched falsettos - "Wayward Love" - are showcased over the course of the album. No matter the project, Enigk's voice has always been the focal point of my interest - his voice is just so captivating.
And while I find there to be rough patches where the album drags slightly, everything comes together perfectly on the title track. The pianos and orchestration provided by conspirator Josh Myers emote a somber mood as Enigk's softly singing (as I can best decipher given no lyrics in the booklet) "Your moment / a way beyond your heartache / No time for our love / No time for our love" fully elaborates on the feelings being evoked through the lyrics.
Enigk has been consistently producing music for many many years. Over those years the monikers in which he has operated have changed, but his songwriting ability and vocal prowess have never faltered. World Waits is another in a chain of impressive releases from Enigk; don't hesitate to purchase this album.
