Despite some critically-acclaimed projects, Paul D'Amour has managed to remain somewhat of a phantom ever since he departed from Tool back in 1995. His latest undertaking, Feersum Ennjin, is not likely to change that but its dreamy progressive outlook and lust for daunting musicianship and experimentation will surely turn heads, and rightfully so. Aided by members of Self fame, he has managed to construct one of the most engulfing melodic indie releases in recent memory. Politely borrowing elements of Failure, Self, Tool and even Jane's Addiction, and then applying an underlying forward-thinking sheen, the end result is nothing short of transcendental.

Appearing to have taken the moniker from a similarly named Iain M. Banks novel that focused on a bizarre post-apocalyptic future, their potential inspiration does become a recurring theme throughout this EP. The music is riveting, yet heavy on friction with sporadic clashes between technology and analog instrumentation. Often imbued with a dynamic electronic edge, the songs can almost possess cyborg-like qualities at times, though they are by no means industrially or nostalgically oriented. Instead, at its core this is thinking-man's prog-rock without the need for overblown melodrama. The structures are simplified, yet mesmeric, utilizing off-key flourishes and oppressive build-ups to keep their strident momentum in check.

In addition to overseeing the bass, guitar, synth, and more, D'Amour has also taken on the vocals for this release and his bitter-sweet delivery is actually quite accomplished - bringing to mind shades of a more gruff "Diary"-era Sunny Day Real Estate". Expectedly, fans of D'Amour's work in Tool will show interest in this release, and while the first track "Lines" does feature an alarmingly similar rhythm to a prior Tool song, there really aren't that many parallels present. Sure the weighty bass lines are comparable, but the music is a much less deep-rooted, avant-garde affair. With a precarious balance continually struck between the organic and the electronic, a penchant for layered instrumentation and a sound innovative in contrast to many of their contemporary peers; Feersum Ennjin may as well be living in the future as they are already that far ahead of their competition.