A stirring blend of wistful folk and hazy psychedelia, Lorem Ipsum is a memorable full-length from Brooklyn-based artist Jeff Jakobs. The album’s analog warmth and layered instrumentation create an inviting, dreamlike haze, where string flourishes, glowing synths, and dusty acoustic strums intertwine with introspective lyricism. The production from Eric Gabriel (Melt) enamors throughout, as do additions from drummer Jason Burger (Andrew Bird), bassist Joshua Crumbly (Leon Bridges) and guitarist Adam Brisbin (Big Thief). Beautiful string arrangements from Oliver Hill (Dirty Projectors) and harmonious backing vocals from Nina Moffitt (Son Lux) further complement the sound.
“Matter of Time” opens the album with a riveting psychedelic groove. “I have walked a thousand miles, day and night,” a lush vocal introspection lets out amidst jangling guitars and steady rhythms. The debonair vocal immersion expands seamlessly into a soaring enthrallment, reassuring “all things pass on, so have faith” before a delectably ominous title-bearing swell takes hold. The track’s dynamic tonal disposition and consistently melodic allure is exemplary of the quality songwriting throughout Lorem Ipsum, from approachable psych-pop delights like this, to the string-laden mystique within “Shy Like Time” and caressing folk stunners like “Little Blue” and “Eve of Parting.”
The ensuing “Witness” is another standout, and one of numerous tracks that excel with their gorgeous incorporation of strings, along with the fantastic “Shy Like Time.” “Witness” sees lush guitar pulses and gentle vocals maneuvering with ease, as the “witness the greatest show of all” vocal signals an expanse in vibrancy as glistening guitars and bright strings intermingle beautifully; its production enamors across both bouncy rock-forward verses and the chorus’ sweeping chamber-pop grandeur. Stirring lyrical poignancy transforms the chaos of modern unrest into allegory, where ringmasters and clowns mirror corrupt power and public complicity, and the fading spectacle exposes the broken promises of freedom and equality. “Yesterday’s News” then arrives with a chilled-out blissfulness, enthralling in its mellow vocal harmoniousness and eclectic instrumentation — succeeding across icy synth arpeggios and art-rock guitar crunches alike.
The album’s title track is another standout, achieving a ’70s folk nostalgia — apparent on Jakobs’ debut EP, The Milk Barn Sessions — that’s bolstered by emotively ardent psych-forward expanses. Calming acoustic strums and chilly keys assemble around layers of vocals, capturing a modern age dominated by screens and technology: “There’s a hole in my head, static fills my brain.” In this context, the track/album title itself — once a filler for thought — resembles a metaphor for language emptied of substance, and a stand-in for genuine connection. Aspirations to get ahold of oneself in tumultuous times also stir on “The Price You Pay For Love,” where folk-pop and twangy rock cohesion complement lyrical hopes to “forget the pressure in my chest” and being “stuck inside my shrunken head” by their lonesome, instead of with another by their side.
Out on October 28th, Lorem Ipsum is a wholly satiating success from Jeff Jakobs, unveiling a sound that blends psych-folk, indie-pop, and chamber-pop with graceful ease. The album’s thoughtful arrangements, expressive vocals, and contributions from guest collaborators coalesce into a listening experience that is both immersive and resonant, showcasing consistently strong songwriting across every track.
