Columbus-based Fever Fever has been quiet for half a decade, but they know how to break the silence. Mother is a six-track collection of enchanting indie pop hits. There are hints of folk and alt-rock mixed in for good measure, and it’s clear there’s a lot of vocal modification at play. But all of these seemingly-disparate elements work together tastefully. These textured arrangements are still anchored in the calm, and the overarching mood of much of the EP is one of peace. Even when there’s more happening on the instrumental side, vocals hold steady, oscillating between falsetto drones and deep murmurs. Harmonies and effects make the vocal melodies feel like an instrument instead of an organic process, and while I certainly have philosophical comments to make on this, I have to admit that it strangely works. They’re not the first group to attempt this, but it fits the arrangements so naturally.
The nature of tracks themselves varies pretty wildly. “Nomadic” has a bit of an ambient sensitivity; “Pheromone” bursts with Balearic beat influence. The overall energy is consistent, but it’s a gamble if you’ll get summer drums of dead-of-winter strings. Some comparisons can be made to Ed Tullett, Novo Amor, Jacob Collier, and even Bon Iver, but none of these artists capture this full sub-spectrum of sounds.
All of this sees a bit of a revitalization of who Fever Fever is. Their previous folk influences aren’t obscured as much as they are coated in electronica. This release feels timely with the rise of some of the aforementioned artists, but it doesn’t feel like pandering or theft of concept. And the end result is an EP that relies less on bombastic energy and more on emotionally stability to reach its listeners.
In terms of a highlight track, I’d have to suggest “Lost and Found”. Falsetto vocals pair with clappy drum parts and a tight piano riff. Deeper vocals break now and then and the piano hook to the chorus reminds me of one of the main melodies off Cave Painting’s “Rio”. I guess I’ve subconsciously been listening to the same music for a decade? The track builds and shifts ever so slightly as its nears its end, taking the path of least resistance.
Even if you’ve overlooked Fever Fever in the past, this is enough of a reinvention to warrant new attention. There’s some special on this EP that sits nicely alongside contemporary acts. It’s a powerful mix of pop, folk, and beyond, all done with subtlety. It’s a release that works well for both the active and passive listener. It’s one that’s neon-vibrant and falling-leaf-brown all the same.
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