Tycho’s Infinite Health is a paradox of consistency

Crafting atmospheric soundscapes, effortlessly gliding into the background, making any setting feel as if it’s been dipped in a warm, nostalgic hue. Now 47, with six studio albums to his name, Tycho’s evolution as an artist has been more about refining his established sound than revolutionizing it. His latest release, Infinite Health, comes four years after Simulcast, and while it retains much of what has defined his career, it also reflects a subtle shift – one that seems to mirror Hansen’s own outlook on life post-pandemic.

The album opens with fresh, bright guitar tones that instantly set the stage for what’s to come: a compact, 33-minute journey through positivity and balance. There’s an undeniable sense that this record is a manifestation of Tycho’s desire to have a more positive impact on his listeners, friends, and family. The inoffensive, malleable sound that fans have come to expect is very much present, but this time it’s imbued with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity.

As the album progresses, it becomes clear that Infinite Health is quintessential Tycho – an exploration of his well-honed strengths, meticulously packaged in a way that feels both familiar and comforting. The driving drum beats, optimistic chord structures, and dancing synths that characterize tracks like “Phantom” are undeniably his. “Phantom” itself is a standout in its relentless, head-nodding rhythm, pulsating with subtle changes and a rubbery bass that keeps the energy flowing without ever feeling rushed.

Moving through the record sees a slight shift in tempo, pulling back into a more relaxed, almost meditative state. Tracks like “Restraint” and “Devices” lean into this aesthetic, with soaring higher-note synths that invite the listener to sink into their couch and simply exist within the music. It’s here that Tycho’s ability to create songs that are one solid idea, without long interludes or unnecessary breathing space, truly shines. The music flows naturally, never meandering, yet always moving forward with a sense of purpose.

And yet, while this album delivers exactly what longtime Tycho fans would hope for, there’s a sense that it’s a musical paradox. The lush, formulaic builds and structures that have become his signature are ever-present, but they also contribute to the album’s uniformity. Infinite Health is a cohesive piece of work, but it’s also one that rarely strays from the path. There’s a lack of standout moments – those climactic releases or moments of tension that would elevate the experience from simply pleasant to something more profound. It’s hard to differentiate between the tracks, as they all blend seamlessly into one another, creating a soundscape that, while undeniably beautiful, feels somewhat flat.

This is perhaps most evident in the album’s final tracks and ending with the finale, “Epilogue.” The track starts with a big sigh, as if signaling the end of a long, albeit straightforward, journey. It guides the listener slowly to the finish line, offering a final resting spot that invites reflection on where both we and Tycho started – with the sparse beauty of it all. It’s a fitting end to an album that has been, from start to finish, a straight line of toe-tapping, hopeful melodies.

Infinite Health is an album that embodies what Tycho does best: creating music that can fill the air anywhere, providing a backdrop that is as versatile as it is consistent. But in this consistency lies its greatest limitation. While the album is a masterclass in technical precision, with deep sub-bass moments and perfectly timed shimmering synths, it lacks the dynamic range that could have made it truly memorable. It’s an album that’s content to exist as it is, without pushing too far ahead or challenging the listener to expect more.

In the end, Infinite Health is undeniably Tycho – a reflection of an artist who has found his groove and is comfortable staying within it. It’s a soothing, uplifting listen, perfect for those moments when you need a gentle, positive presence in the background. But for those seeking something more, something that challenges the boundaries of what Tycho can do, this album may leave you wanting. Still, there’s beauty in the simplicity, and perhaps that’s all Hansen intended: to remind us that sometimes, just being is enough.