“New Horizon” Leads as Single for Fen Doi’s Debut Album

Indie electronic artist Fen Doi is back with his latest song, “New Horizon,” out now with his debut-album of the same name, which takes the listener through a nine-song, genre-bending journey of synths and infectious drum beats. The track itself is also the album’s opener, a colorful, atmospheric take on modern retrowave. Fans of both RUFUS DU SOL as well as Drab Majesty will gravitate towards the project. 

 

Based in Zurich, Switzerland, Fen Doi is a refreshing face in the synthpop world, a project entirely driven by producer, drummer, and vocalist Neil Lauper. With music that “encourages you to dance into a brighter future,” Lauper has seamlessly positioned his simultaneously futuristic and retro sound along with the greats. Previous releases have been supported by electronic dance music artists like Ellen Allien (at Boiler Room Sydney), Curses, Perel, or Reka. They have also received play across the Swiss National Radio. His blend of melancholy and joy feels just as resplendent as his mix of post-punk/darkwave and bright, uptempo synths and electronica. 

 

“New Horizon” was produced and recorded in Lauper’s home studio, starting off as an organic piece found through improvisation on his keyboard. After he laid down the lyrics and vocals, digital synthesizers were employed (Arturia V Collection, Alchemy) to paint the desired sonic picture and add harmonic content. The track’s layered, full sound is inviting to the audience; the listening experience is immersive and intense. 

 

At the heart of the track is a message of resilience, one that Lauper conveys not just with sparkling sonics, but uplifting lyricism. “I think something must have changed in me,/ All the colors give me energy,” he sings. He shares, “‘’New Horizon’  tells a story of tender new beginnings in the aftermath of unexpected change and loss. It is a story of maintaining an attitude of gratitude when much speaks against it. “

 

Speaking on the album’s visuals, which were created with Zurich local illustrator and designer Frederik Bauer, Lauper shares, “It depicts a dark, digital and somewhat polished room that entails a window or screen that almost feels like a portal, leading to the real world, where new beginnings are just one step away. The whole artwork has a museal vibe to it and is situated somewhere between the digital and the analog, or the electronic and the organic world”.

 

Other notable highlights from the album include, “Before You Go” (a bittersweet breakup track that is as catchy as it is perfectly tragic) and “Wallflower” (an ode to classic 80s synth). Lauper has mastered the balance between darker lyricism and danceable composition, a feat not easily accomplished. 

 

Fen Doi is not just a musical project, it is an experience, enjoyed best at full volume with ample space to move. 

Email