Lane 8’s Childish: A Return to Joyful Creativity
Lane 8’s fifth album, Childish, offers a refreshing dive into unfiltered creativity, driven by a desire to return to the pure joy of making art without external pressures. As a fan of his bold decision to release the album without singles, I’m excited to see Childish unfold as a complete experience, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in its entirety from the start.
In a heartfelt announcement, Lane 8 revealed that the album was inspired by watching his children engage with art in a carefree, unrestrained way. This observation reminded him that art should be a joyful and liberating process, free from expectations. He reconnected with his inner child through this realization, reigniting the sense of wonder that first drew him to music. Adding to this personal connection, the album’s vibrant artwork was created by his daughter, Heidi, further emphasizing the theme of uninhibited creativity that runs throughout the project.
The decision to release the album all at once, evoking the nostalgic thrill of discovering new records without prior expectations, is a refreshing approach. In an era dominated by singles, Childish stands out as a full-body experience, one fans can get lost in, much like the cherished moment’s Lane 8 recalls from his own childhood.
The album opens with the title track, Childish, a slow-burning and melodic piece that sets the tone for the immersive journey ahead. Beginning gently, it gradually builds layers of sound that unfold into a melodic masterpiece, pulling listeners deeper into Lane 8’s sonic world. Accompanying the release is a music video that visually captures the sense of exploration and wonder the track embodies, perfectly introducing the album’s overarching themes.
Next comes The Deep, featuring the haunting vocals of Art School Girlfriend. Her ethereal voice and Lane 8’s lush production create a dreamlike atmosphere, drawing listeners further into the album’s emotional core. Following this, Higher brings a burst of momentum with its driving beats and uplifting melodies, a high-energy instrumental that propels the album forward.
One of the emotional highlights of Childish is The Choice, a collaboration with Arctic Lake. Their soulful vocals and poignant melodies create a deeply affecting moment, making it one of the most heartfelt tracks on the album. Lane 8’s talent for weaving emotive lyrics with intricate production shines here, making it a standout piece.
Following The Choice is Merry Mary, which showcases Lane 8’s signature style of progressive buildups and melodic breaks. The track’s intricate production flows seamlessly, maintaining energy while offering moments of serene reflection. Wake Up, featuring Tailor, then delivers a surprising shift. The vocal performance is rich and dynamic, making this track a refreshing highlight that blends introspection with upbeat energy.
Say the Word, another collaboration with Arctic Lake, continues the album’s emotional thread. While the lyrics are relatively simple, the repetitive chorus—”Say the word and I’ll be there, Say the word and I’ll protect you”—delivers a powerful message of loyalty and protection. The track builds slowly, leading to a satisfying emotional release in its uplifting chorus.
As the album nears its conclusion, You, a collaboration with Kasablanca introduces a more intense, energetic vibe. The powerful beats and driving rhythm contrast with the softer moments of the album, showcasing Lane 8’s range and versatility. This is followed by Osse de Dosse, an instrumental track that sustains the album’s momentum, blending euphoric highs with hypnotic grooves.
Finally, Quiet Rush, a collaboration with Sultan + Shepard, closes the album perfectly. The track beautifully blends both artists’ styles, creating a harmonious and satisfying conclusion to a journey filled with rich emotions and diverse sonic landscapes. The final moments of Quiet Rush leave listeners with a sense of resolution, bringing Childish to a memorable and impactful close.
Lane 8 has crafted a cohesive and emotionally rich album with Childish, balancing introspective moments with dancefloor-ready beats. Each track feels thoughtfully placed, contributing to an overall journey that reflects both Lane 8’s artistic evolution and his desire to return to the pure joy of creation. The colorful artwork by his daughter Heidi adds an even more personal touch, reinforcing the album’s underlying theme of childlike wonder and freedom.
While Childish boasts stunning vocal performances and beautiful collaborations, the lyrical depth doesn’t always reach the heights of some of Lane 8’s earlier work. Tracks like Say the Word and The Choice offer emotional vocals, but the repetition in the lyrics occasionally lessens their impact. The simplicity, while accessible, lacks the complexity that some might expect. Nonetheless, the album’s production is exceptional, and the melodies still evoke strong emotions, making Childish a solid addition to Lane 8’s discography, even if it doesn’t push lyrical boundaries.
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