Poignant in its thematic emphasis on humanity and AI’s intertwining, Echoes is the new EP from Paul Feder. Its dynamic electronic sound spans from the robot-nostalgia pulsing of “Paperclips” to the dreamily unfolding title track. “I’ve watched the rapid advances in artificial intelligence with a mix of wonder and existential dread,” Feder explains. “In ‘Echoes’, I explores the anxiety I feel about being replaced by AI while using AI technology in the creative process. I navigated through this uneasy territory and ultimately embraced the collaborative potential of human and machine.”
Opening EP track “Paperclips” caught our ears in July with its synth-driven production, fondly reminiscent of Kraftwerk. Its thematic exploration of humanity’s relationship with AI is furthered on the EP’s subsequent two tracks, in artful form. “Human Love” follows with bubbly synths that complement a morose vocal acknowledge — “even as the world explodes.” A sense of warmness and closeness, even in the midst of tumult, is conveyed enjoyably — culminating in the “we just wanna feel your love,” playful refrain.
The EP’s title track is a riveting conclusion, melding hazy vocals within a hypnotic swell of serenely textured synth; it’s a gorgeously spacious envelopment, captivating in its lush vocal work and heavenly glow. Echoes succeeds across its three tracks with compelling atmospheres and melodic directions.
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“Echoes” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
