Felsmann + Tiley - Protomensch (Limited, Numbered Gatefold LP)

On Protomensch, Felsmann + Tiley combine shimmering synthwave, pounding trance and introspective IDM with synth-pop-inspired tracks and guest vocalists, including London's Pet Deaths and Australian artists The Kite String Tangle, Woodes and Laius. This juxtaposition of sentient beings and machines runs through the entire album – from the duo's manifesto, which introduces the highly intelligent yet irrevocably short-sighted and downright tragic character of the Protomensch, to the cover artwork featuring a chimpanzee in a turtleneck, futuristic music videos and striking social media aesthetics, all the way to ambitious seated live shows created in collaboration with dozens of visual artists.