Future Feelings is an electronic project headed by Fernando Dimare, a disciple of the Argentine producer Tweety González (Soda Stereo, Ximena Sariñana, Fito Paéz). Under Future Feelings, Fernando has been releasing singles, EPs, and remixes (Quiero Club, Los Macuanos, Lidstrøm) since 2010. The self-titled album is Future Feelings’ first LP, and it includes support from the Mexican producer Juan Soto, Shiro Schwarz, and Julian Sanza, among others.
Much of what Future Feelings has previously released has been aimed at the international dance market (think nu-disco and electro-type dance tracks sung in English). But “Over Me,” the opening track of Future Feelings, seems plucked from Air’s Moon Safari songbook. The tribute is well-done, but a bit too obvious – in fact, the Air influence is equally heavy-handed on the other softer tunes, such as “Empty.” It’s not that Air is a terrible band to emulate, but it’s simply impossible to do that sound better than them.
Luckily, this LP is fairly eclectic, and things quickly kick into high gear. “Creature of the Night” is a funky disco tune filled with interesting falsettos, plucked bass lines, and classic strings. The disco vibe continues unperturbed in “Downtown Girl” and “Jungle Light,” both excellent dance tracks. Fernando told Thump his father introduced him to The Beatles and Cream, but that a Parliament Funkadelic vinyl was responsible for “frying” his brain (with excitement, we have to assume), and the inspiration here is unmistakable.
The funk is quite strong with Dimare, and that’s why “Don’t Let Me Go Away” sounds like the bastard offspring of a musical orgy between Zapp & Roger, Digitalism, and Prince. “The Feeling” quickly moves towards nu-disco territory, while “Can’t Hide It” has a distinct Talk Talk and Tears of Fears 80s vibe – and speaking of the 80s vibe, “Wonder,” the closing track, is the kind of arpeggio-heavy sound one used to find in the better part of The Cure’s repertoire.
The production, especially for an independent record, is impressive; all songs are perfectly mixed and mastered. In essence, disco, the New Wave-ish 80s, late 90s French pop, and synths – lots of synths – make up the core Future Feelings. It’s a solid LP with clear, discernible influences.
The future of music, it turns out, will always evoke music from the past.