Felbm. Tape 1 / Tape 2. Restock!

In the Felbm project, Dutch multi-instrumentalist Eelco Topper steps away from his previous synthesiser-laden sounds as Falco Benz, towards a much looser, simpler and sketch-like approach. Together with a number of acoustic instruments, he began experimenting with a Tascam 4-track tape recorder and allowed these sketches to flourish.
The result is Tape 1 and Tape 2, a two-part project stretching across fifteen tracks - encompassing fluttering piano melodies, subtle jazz drums, rumba rhythms and soothing ambience. The jazz element links back to Topper’s childhood. “I grew up playing drums, switched to playing piano at sixteen and in the meantime I produced hip-hop beats,” he recalls. “I went to study jazz piano at the Utrecht Conservatory, which I finished with pain and effort… I was interested more in electronic and present-day music.”
This mix of being rooted in traditional jazz composition whilst searching for something more contemporary is the perfect encapsulation of these recordings. Tape 1’s jazz roots are palpable and as things move into Tape 2, it takes on a neo-classical, psychedelic soundscape and cinematic quality.
The distinct character that the tracks emit also comes from a unique place; Felbm’s influences are not the usual and... more
credits
released October 26, 2018

All songs written (except for "When It Rains" written by Brad Mehldau), performed, recorded, produced and mixed by Eelco Topper, between October 2016 and August 2017.
Mastered by Jeffrey de Gans at Da Goose Music.
Artwork by Joost Stokhof.

Tracklist

A1 Birkelunden
A2 Funicular
A3 Monolocale
A4 Sternenhimmel
A5 Bladerdek
A6 Memoirists
A7 Sakura
B1 Tandem
B2 Anderstein
B3 Birkach
B4 Herfstzon
B5 Maktene
B6 When It Rains
Written By – Brad Mehldau
Written By – Brad Mehldau
B7 Samensmelten
B8 Takumi