Fermion - The March by Eric Shans | Phenotract | Fermion

Fermion is the duo of Eric Shans and Augustine Backer and their second full length album “Hysteresis” is a marked change for the act. Where as “Elegiac” and “We Are Nowhere” explored the more synth-pop and at times industrial side of things, “Hysteresis” drives that with a deep EBM framed engine into higher gear. Big, bold, and dark, it’s indicative of the time period of 2020 to 2021 but it’s not without that glimmer and flicker of hope in that darkness.

Lead single “Butcher” pounds with nasty bass lines, warped vocals, and shimmering melody (a testament to a modern approach with retro influences), the OMD cover “Messages” takes the original 80s song and flips on its head into a body music dance floor anthem, and songs like “Alarms Will Sound” and “All One” delve into heady synth pop sounds that echo bands like Camouflage and Clan Of Xymox with a steely sheen around the edges.

The album is a journey of self reflection, a letting go of the past, and cautiously optimistic outlooks of the future - lyrically abstract and at the same time nuanced with anticipation and promise.

Out on Somewherecold Records Oct 22, 2021.

Fermion is Eric Shans and Augustine Backer
Vocals and lyrics by Eric Shans. Additional vocals on “Messages” by Kelly Jackson
Programming, songs, and sound design by Fermion
“Messages” written by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
Mixed and engineered by Eric Shans
Mastered by Jeff Clarke

“Butcher” (Prime Cuts Mix)” appears on the “Butcher” single releasing on July 23, 2021