It seems like Flume’s Grammy-award winning album Skin, is just the gift that keeps on giving. You know it’s good when the 16-track, hour and a half long LP can still have not one – but TWO 4-track component EP’s – both rounding out this nearly year-long concept era associated with the album’s success.
If you know anything about me regarding Flume (or just music for that matter), you know that 2016’s Skin album was literally everything to me. CD? Check. Digital download? Check. Live show? Check, check.
Between the beats, album artwork, collaborations, and stage production for the live sets -I couldn’t escape my obsession with his latest concept and am thrilled that everyone’s love for it has continued well into this year. I don’t think I’ve gone a week without listening to songs from this record since it’s release last May. And of course, his first Grammy win just completely solidifies exactly what I’m talking about.
In continuation with past Skin-related aesthetics, the EP is of course accompanied with striking artwork from frequent collaborator Jonathan Zawada, and is 4 tracks long just like the previous one.
About the artwork, Zawada shared on his Instagram: “The plant is called a Crown of Thorns which I found growing under a gigantic Aloe Vera in my garden.”
This second installment of work includes 4 tracks, with guest appearances from soulful Los Angeles singer-songwriter Moses Sumney, rapper Pusha T (formerly of Clipse fame), and even vocalist Dave Bayley of Glass Animals.
I’ll start with my favorite track on the EP – “Depth Charge.” For every handful of tracks from Flume that feature a vocalist, there’s always an “instrumental” from him that is just as mind-blowing – and really puts his production skills into the forefront. This song reminds me a lot of “3” from Skin, which was an instant favorite of mine. Not that the songs sound anything alike at all, but I appreciate these aggressive instrumentals because you’re given the opportunity to create a story on your own – interpret the song title accordingly.
Another highlight for me, “Enough” featuring Pusha T, is easily the most recognizable and heavy-hitting track on the release. When Flume previewed the EP using this song as a snippet, I had to pick my jaw up off of the floor. Right off the bat, a heavy distorted wave of bass is blasted into your soul – accompanied by the most superfluous tales of drugs, money, fame and everything that comes along with that lifestyle.
I could tell you what the Porsche cost, what my wrist like
What a brick weigh, what your bitch like….Check, kilogram on the neck, money, power, respect
Real shooter’s on deck, but it ain’t enough
Another thing I like about the construction of this track is Flume’s “if it ain’t broke-don’t fix it” approach to bangers. If the song is hot, ok then let’s keep the momentum going. But then there’s these breaks in between the 3 verses (yes, three) that are almost like little pallette-cleansers to let you recover from what you just experienced. I love that!
The remaining tracks also tip their hats to guest vocals from artists like Glass Animals’ Dave Bayley on “Fantastic”, and Moses Sumney on the dark trip-turned-lullaby “Weekend”.
“Fantastic” flaunts fun and relatable lyrics over a super-catchy, almost redundant beat which forces you to nod your head – both in unison and agreement with the story.
Bad milk got my raisin bran tasting bad
Getting fiber-tastic
Say you’ll go, say you’re someone imagined – life’s looking tragic
Lastly, “Weekend” featuring Moses Sumney is an amazing track that takes you on a musical journey. What starts as a dark, brooding, nearly chant-like ambient track slowly transforms into an other-worldly dream from the moment Sumney’s voice appears on the record. I honestly thought I’d found a secret bonus track, as the song took on a completely different tone and melody within a span of seconds.
Something about the piano accents give me this sense of nostalgia, and make me feel like I’m flipping through an old photo album.
Our love was a weekend on the water
Silly me for thinking you would want me longer
Each track has it’s own unique vibe and has something truly special to offer listeners. While every song’s production is so different from the last, they still flow so seamlessly together. This was an amazing accompaniment to his previous works, and this EP gently closes the door on the Skin era, which Flume himself has confirmed is done.
No more associated releases – now on to the future! Tell me what you think after you listen!
If you like what you heard you can buy it now, or pre-order the exclusive May 5 vinyl release here!
And if you’re new to Skin all together, check out my review of the album from last year and see a few live clips on the videos page!