Based in Brooklyn, electro-pop artist Paul Feder released his debut solo EP, Nightwalk, not long ago via Aion Records.
Prior to going solo, Paul played with the electronic band Charcole Federation and the synthpop project Pico Fermi. The songs on Nightwatch began life as harmonizer experiments, followed by evolving into jam sessions with the members of Jane In Space: Jesse Jensen, Tom Vickers, Andrew Tell, and Brian Korpalski.
While growing up, Paul’s parents exposed him to vast quantities of electronic music, like Kraftwerk. Later, in high school, he began remixing music, followed by synth instrumentals in college, and then MIDI interfaces while in grad school. He then started DJing, producing songs, and performing throughout New York City.
In 2010, his synthpop project Pico Fermi released Start It Over. Two years later, Paul was the resident DJ at Tromba, while simultaneously founding the electronic band Charcole Federation, which dropped a self-titled EP in 2015.
Right now, Paul is writing and laying down new tracks for his next EP in his home studio.
Nightwalk encompasses five tracks, beginning with “Lose My Mind,” a dreamy electropop tune vaguely reminiscent of Depeche Mode, sans the new wave potency. Paul’s voice, creamy and wistful, imbues the lyrics with cashmere timbres.
“Break down, you can’t break me down / I’m holding on to my memory / This fever dream, don’t know what it means / Just give me more electricity.”
Entry points include “Desert Run,” blending numinous coloration with futuristic tinctures, resulting in a shimmering soundscape topped by Paul’s evocative voice. For some reason, this track conjures up memories of The Alan Parsons Project because of its lustrous flow.
“In Floodlights” travels on kaleidoscopic coloration supported by a pulsing, thumping dance rhythm as Paul’s tones imbue the lyrics with pensive textures.
“Nothing you can do is gonna bring us down tonight / You can raise your banners you can burn your floodlights.”
Percolating with shiny colors and plush layers of delicious synthpop, Nightwalk reveals dazzling amalgamations of pop and experimental leitmotifs.