Fermion’s “Conflicted”: A Darker evolution for the Electro-Pop Duo
Fermion, the American electronic music duo comprised of Augustine Backer and Eric Shans, has steadily carved a niche for themselves with a sound that blends Electro-Pop, Ambient, and Dark-Electro influences. Initially met with some reservation by one reviewer, the duo’s latest album, “Conflicted,” released via Re:Mission Entertainment, signals a compelling new chapter in their artistic journey.
The origins of fermion lie in the individual musical explorations of Backer and Shans. Shans’s roots trace back to the early 2000s with the project Phenotract, initially steeped in Industrial sounds before evolving into Synth-Pop, and later encompassing House and Ambient music under his own name, alongside running the labels 3Bridge Records and 3Bridge Elements. Backer’s musical foundation began with classical training in piano and vocals, later branching into synthesis with a Kurtzweil K1000, and culminating in the solo project enitsugua – a predominantly Ambient and Electronica-focused endeavor. the duo officially formed in 2018 after meeting at an electronic music producers’ meetup in New York City, united by shared musical tastes.
Despite a relatively short time as a collaborative unit, Fermion has maintained a prolific output. Did you know?-the duo credits their consistent creativity to a deep enjoyment of the music-making process itself, stating it “still brings me a lot of joy.”
This dedication has resulted in a noticeable evolution in their sound, shifting from earlier Synth-Pop leanings towards a darker aesthetic encompassing Synth-Wave, dark-Techno, EBM, and industrial elements. This transition, they explain, felt entirely organic.The COVID-19 pandemic also played a surprising role,acting as a “catalyst” that fueled their creative fervor and provided a much-needed outlet.
Fermion’s sonic palette draws inspiration from a diverse range of artists, including pioneers of Industrial music, Electronica, Ambient, and New Wave. Influences cited include joy Division, New Order, Orbital, Front Line Assembly, Skinny puppy, Philip Glass, Aphex Twin, Jon Hopkins, and Moderat. As one artist explained, their style aims to explore the complexities of the human experience, combining intellectual lyrics with evocative soundscapes to create an immersive sonic space.
The production of “Conflicted” marked a deliberate step towards elevating their sound. Pro tip:-Working with a skilled mixing and mastering engineer, like Justin Singer of 10×13 Studio, can significantly enhance a project’s overall quality.
The duo enlisted longtime friend Justin Singer, of 10×13 Studio (https://www.10x13studio.com/), to oversee the mixing and mastering process. “We wanted to elevate the sound, and having him at the controls really did that,” one member stated. Lyrically, the album delves into the human condition, exploring both internal and external struggles.
Manny listeners, including one long-time reviewer, find “Conflicted” to be Fermion’s most fully realized and refined work to date. Reader question:-How do artists achieve a polished sound? Fermion emphasizes balancing detail with restraint, aiming for a “solid” feel across different playback systems.
The band attributes this to a critical approach to their work, coupled with Singer’s discerning ear. They emphasize a balance between meticulous attention to detail and avoiding overworking a track, aiming for a point where the music feels “solid” across various listening environments.
Fermion recently debuted their live performance in August in Brooklyn, with Eric Shans performing keyboards and vocals, accompanied by Mike Goetz of Vuzz on guitar, filling in for Augustine Backer who was unable to travel from Charlotte, North Carolina. The duo plans to expand their live presence in the coming months, incorporating the addition of live guitars into their performances. They express excitement about the future, eager to continue experimenting and evolving their sound.
The duo extends gratitude to Wes Turner of Re:Mission Entertainment for their support in releasing “Conflicted.”
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