Feathers: Synchromy

Feathers references as many styles as it seems possible in just 19 minutes (their name also references, probably less intentionally, a different folk-based group). Given the band’s technical skill and post-[genre] leanings, the most surprising sounds come on “Iron Mountain”, which manages to turn a rhythmically-strange intro into a sort of lounge jazz groove that stays far more captivating than it should, partly through the occasional sound oddities, but primarily through the tight groove. The rest of the disc works well, but is a little uneven. “Ap(Parenthe)Synthesis” tries to take off, but, even though it gets to outer space, never lets its rockets burn. “Mint Cairo” likewise almost turns into something, and while its unique orchestration provides compelling songs, it never fully realizes itself. Even with some minor failings, the band comes close on this EP. Their mixture of solid groove and irregular sounds holds promise, it’s just a matter of more consistent delivery. Synchromy is the middle of a three-EP series, and it suggests that the finish could still be exciting.