Naarm-based producer felt. marks his stellar self-titled debut on DMO, with a tasteful love letter to the golden age of chillout. The five-track EP is crafted of cinematic synthesis and crystalline vistas, and expertly moves between glacial atmospheres and warm basslines throughout the release, underpinned by gentle rhythms undulating like ocean currents. It all arrives fully formed in vision and technique, a vivid and organic reflection of the beauty of the natural world.


felt.’s opening track ‘Life Formed’ is a slow unfurling that gracefully accentuates its gradual, shuffling motion with reduced percs sitting hazily in the mix. The melodic elements speak foremost - all in harmony with each other, punctuated by beautiful cascades of sound that kindle images of morning sun reflected on an icy lake.


‘sugar is’ follows, flipping a sample of the best Photek into a slo-mo cruise of atmospheric breakbeat anchored to a 4-to-the-floor pulse. felt. quickly introduces an indecipherable vocal that waxes and wanes throughout the tune, coalescing in a delicate resolution as the tranquil sonics evaporate.


‘Whatever Grows Together’ introduces itself as a peak of the record with a quietly commanding drum break and rich sound design married to pointillist synths that go straight for the spirit. A climax built on clear-as-glass sequencing and confident call-and-response melodies.


‘When Dawn Breaks’ is the most DJ-friendly of the bunch, evoking a clear-eyed awakening with an immaculately arranged, spacious drum pattern atop flourishes of piano and drifting atmospherics. The song sees felt. underscoring his chops as a self-assured producer with its minimal arrangement, saying lots with little.


‘Loom’ closes things out with sheer beauty and an exhale of joy, layering shimmering shoegaze textures, blissful melodics, and a subdued sense of awe.


Irresistible Downtempo Music!

Production and Composition by Zak Cupido
Mixed by Morgan Wright
Mastered by Morgan Wright
Graphics by Will Canning
Words by Anu Raag