by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
While some labels are primed to work exclusively with established artists, waiting for a band to cross metric thresholds and come equipped with a booking agent and manager, others, such as Chicago’s Angel Tapes are out here doing the good work, keeping an ear to the ground and showing support when it’s needed most, at the beginning. After introducing and reintroducing Cruel and Sleeper’s Bell, the Fire Talk associated label presents Feller, a new band comprised of some familiar faces, namely Pete Willson (Cafe Racer) and Ethan Toenjes (Sleepwalk, Old Coke). Set to release their debut EP, Universal Miracle Worker, on May 28th, the duo’s sound relies on something bigger than it’s skeletal make-up. There’s a bit of “post everything” at play here - from nervy post-punk and mathy post-hardcore to the patience of post-rock, Feller keep things fluid from track to track, expanding beyond the means of your average duo.
“Sand Sandwich,” the record’s lead single, is more than a great title, it’s an impactful first impression. Opening with Willson’s delicate finger picked melody, Feller instantly hints at their arty subversions, the pattern seemingly sticking at moments, shifting in its own place. Toenjes joins with a detached rhythm, the progression gliding with a disorienting ease, part dreamy, part gracefully unhinged. “Sand Sandwich” is complex, but Feller craft it in a way that feels accessible at all times, slinking into “locked grooves” and devolved noise pop clamor while retaining their unshakable melodic focus. On first glance, everything feels natural, consisting of subtle changes from the cleverly bending lyrics to the dazzling time contorting drums, but the magic of Feller lies deeper, embracing the unnatural like sleight of hand. Before you know it, the whole structure’s gone and skipped a beat.