Just like the lyrical content that runs through Wasting Time, the music that carries it also errs on the side of the reflective and dreamlike, thoughtful and ornate, but never in that whispy, ambient way that much music with the “dream” moniker tends to be. Make no mistake, Arentumine makes music that has bite, balls, and beat. In that order.
Wasting Time is an album born of an artist trying to make sense of memories and experiences, especially those relating to relationships, and one relationship in particular. As such, it is cathartic and confessional, autobiographical, but also deals with feelings and events that we can all relate to.
“Daylight” ticks along in an alt-pop sort of way, full of lush sonics and evocative lyrics, its musical weight coming from the clever layering of tones and textures rather than anything more obvious or clichéd. “Arentumine” is hazy and spacious, its shimmering sounds sandwiched between the words and the beat, and “Lostboy” is a smooth blend of indie and soul music, shot through with shards of tasteful guitar that chime with a West Coast, jazz-rock vibe.
Wasting Time is a gorgeous album that also explores romantic fallout and post-relationship feelings – a heady blend of delicacy and depth, music that is both meaningful and full of melody. A fine line to walk, but Justin Alvarez is without any shadow of a doubt an impressively sure-footed musician.
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