- After releasing his debut album in 2013, Thomas Feriero stepped away from Avatism to focus on projects with Francesco Leali. They set up Parachute Records (with DJ Tennis) and began fleshing out their experimental techno collaboration, CW/A. Feriero left the sleek minimal sound of his early Avatism releases and widened his pool of influences to include breakbeat, jungle, IDM and industrial techno. He has always favoured melodies, which have lately grown cold, dissonant and unsettling. The malaise deepens on Bad Summer, Feriero's first Avatism EP for Parachute Records.
Rusty percussion shreds through the sombre veil on "Bad Summer," which is weighted down further with heavy bass and synths. The sullen "Clandestine" is less of a drag but too emulative of the IDM-jungle formula established by acts like Squarepusher and Lakker. The B-side is stronger. "Outrospection" morphs with subtle ease, with syncopated rhythms, a piercing melody line and hissing jungle snares. It's one of Feriero's better Avatism productions. "Rassvet" is stylishly unrefined, with wild dynamics, an overbearing crescendo and noodley synth details. But it's still lush and fluid, with the makings of a fine signature sound.
TracklistA1 Bad Summer
A2 Clandestine
B1 Outrospection
B2 Rassvet