By Connor Kropschot
Staff Writer
Australian electronic producer, Flume, released his new flawed album “Skin” on May 27.
“Skin” is a 16 song collection that features exotic beats created on a synthesizer paired
with catchy lyrics. Although the electronic music is dynamic and intriguing, the overuse of
discordant noises draws away from the musicality of the songs, disappointing listeners.
“Skin” is Flume’s sophomore studio album that showcases original pieces created in
collaboration with a variety of other popular DJs including Vince Staples and Tove Lo. The
tracks in “Skin” were inspired by Flume’s recent travels to foreign countries, featuring a variety
of different ethnic music styles.
One of the more positive aspects of the album is Flume’s use of vocals. Although not all
of the songs in “Skin” are paired with vocals, those that do contain them are successfully
blended with electronic noises. Flume remixes each individual vocalist’s voice, staying
true to his electronic roots.
Flume’s talent is made obvious in his track “You Know” that mixes provocative verses rapped
by Allan Kingdom and Raekwon with intense drops and beats. The blend of rap with EDM
creates a powerful sound that is much more interesting to listen to than the solely instrumental
tracks in “Skin.”
In contrast, one disappointing aspect of “Skin” is the constant repetition of the same
synthesized noises. In multiple songs, Flume reuses or mimes very similar beats, drops and
other sound effects that eventually become uninteresting and irritating to listen to.
“Wall F*ck” is an example of one such song that is overridden with unnecessary sound
effects that add little to the quality of the music.
The ten second long intro to “Wall F*ck” imitates the noise a broken record makes,
creating an immediately unnerving and obnoxious sound. The song continues with incoherent
beats that sound similar to a blown out speaker.
Overall, the songs comprising “Skin” are unique and innovative, but the album as a
whole is disjointed and distasteful. In comparison to Flume’s past album and hit remixes, “Skin”
is very dissapointing.
“Skin” was released on May 27 and is available for $9.99 on iTunes or free on streaming
websites including Apple Music, Spotify and Soundcloud.
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