Flume is no doubt one of the biggest breakout acts of 2012. Hailed as the new messiah of Australian electronic music off the back of his massive Sleepless EP, it’s simultaneously awe-inspiring and depressing that this young producer is merely 21 years old and played his first gig in November 2011 supporting New Navy . While the hype surrounding Flume has reached unprecedented levels (and it can be easy to become sceptical of such sudden rises), I could not agree more that such praise is certainly justified after listening to his phenomenal debut Lp.
Flume’s self-titled debut was a long time coming. His breakthrough, and perhaps still best know track, ‘ Sleepless ’, was first released about a year ago. In that time he’s supported the likes of Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs and The XX as well as playing shows at Splendour and Parklife with rave reviews. But by all reports (including our chat with him at the triple j House Party gig) he fit these high profile shows around many long and tedious hours in the studio, working hard on writing, collaborating and mastering a full-bodied album.
The fruit of his labour is nothing short of stunning. Flume is an album that stands as a testament to the wonder that innovation and good production can create. It balances something beautifully delicate and all-encompassing, strong and driving. Track to track, the album flirts with a range of genres, from smooth, melodic techno, soul, electro-synth to glitched-out hip hop. While seemingly mismatched, together they create a unique and identifiable sound that is as uplifting as it is infectious.
I’d hesitate to use the word “highlight” when talking about standout tracks, as every song seems integral to the overall balance of the album, however there are certainly songs that are bound to excite listeners over the coming summer – both on radio and live. The most obvious of these would have to be the long anticipated ‘ Left Alone ’, a collaboration with fellow Australian up-and-comer Chet Faker , and his current single and certified radio favourite ‘ Holdin On’ .
In ‘Left Alone’ Chet Faker’s melancholy, soulful vocals croon effortlessly over a rickety beat, with lyrics like “and it hurt my darling, but I’ll breath out sorrow”. The standout for the next single from the album is an unusually dark contender, but if anyone could make depression sound so beautiful it would be Chet and Flume. By Contrast ‘Holdin On’ works on a much more upbeat soul and RnB tip. With it’s disjointed vocal cuts, synth stabs and hard hitting beat all complimented by softer chords at the intro and break, it’s hard not to sing along to this fine example of forward-thinking music.
Collaboration with New York rapper T.Shirt makes ‘ On Top’ one of the most energised and upbeat number on the album. A tight, egotistic flow rides a crashing, intricate yet very much driving beat, that shows Flume’s hip hop credentials in full force. Having witnessed the song performed live, there is no doubt its energy translates to a festival crowd.
Of course ‘ Sleepless ’ is a highlight on the album. The song has gone from praise to praise, so including it on the debut does seem a logical choice. It will no doubt continue to be a favourite for new comers and old fans alike.
Opening track, ‘ Sintra ’, sets a precedent for the album. Its off-jilted, synth-laden rhythms and fading, inviting vocals almost welcome the listener. ‘ Insane ’ is another highlight for me, with its constantly modulating vocals all coming together to a seductive break from Moon Holiday . ‘ What You Need ’ visits similar territory and is equally strong with its heavy vocals and synth layering.
Tracks like ‘ Bring You Down (Ft. George Mapel) ’ and ‘ Ezra ’ prove it is possible to create something hauntingly wonderful and unconventional, with all the appeal and melodies one might find in a pop number. While ‘ Stay Close ’, ‘ Space Cadet ’ and ‘ Warm Thoughts ’ are each unique, all fall into the realm of blissfully whimsical listening, easily appreciated as background music or blasting loudly to highlight their intricacies.
Final track ‘ Star Eyes ’ seems made to finish the album. At 2:26 it is one of the shortest tracks, starting with a few simple chords and vocal samples before launching into the driving body’s clattering beat and pitched down vocals. It acts as a fine curtain closer for its peers.
Flume’s debut could not come at a better time. The momentum that has carried him over the last 12 months seems to go from strength to strength, and with the album release just in time for summer, it would be no surprise if he were soon regarded in the top tier of Australian talent for 2013. The album is a diverse, yet coherent, collection of sounds that together create something rarely seen in a debut. If you aren’t already, watch this space.
Buy Flume’s Self Titled LP here: https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/flume/id564046963
REVIEW BY MATT BLADIN
WORDS BY Matt Bladin
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