Test & Recognise (Flume Re-work)
Flume is to music what Stanley Kubrick is to film. Yes, that’s a bold statement, but hang in there. We’re going to lay it out for you, point by point. Kubrick was often revered for adapting short stories or novels. While this feat is ultimately impossible through the production of a song, Flume often reinvents songs, giving them an entirely new and refreshing breath of life, similar to what Kubrick did with his films. Some of Flume’s most beloved tracks are remixes of already well-established works, including the likes of classics of the blogosphere age such as Lorde, Chet Faker, and Disclosure.
Too loose of a connection? Didn’t we tell you to bear with us? Kubrick was also considered one of the most influential directors of all time, often exalted on the distinct cinematography utilized in his filmmaking. Look back to 2012 with us for just a bit. In fact, press play on Flume’s self-titled album and tell us that his groundbreaking soundscapes weren’t something to admire. The crackling atmospheric layering coupled with the delicate melodic inclusions paved the way for so many future-bass producers. It’s really quite spectacular when you stop to think about it. One could argue that this sound help pave a way for up and coming artists, just as Kubrick did in his legendary career. Do we dare say that Fluminian will be coined as Kubrickian was?
While we could state the obvious and talk about Kubrick’s intense and immersive use of music to help set up a scene, we’ll slowly walk away from that, as the connection is a bit too easily demonstrated through Flume’s encompassing sounds that easily take his listeners into a world of their own. In fact, this Australian artist doesn’t need visuals to what he does. The music speaks for itself.
We would be remiss not to mention the fact that Kubrick’s films were often considered controversial. A Clockwork Orange, which was a sociopolitical statement about the government’s threat against personal freedom, was probably one of the most notable. While Flume has never done anything to ruffle any feathers, per se, it’s important to look at the timeframe in which he came to the limelight in the world’s collective ear. What was in back in 2012? Big Room? Progressive House? Wasn’t Swedish House Mafia getting ready to embark on their grand farewell tour somewhere around the time that this young man came to recognition? In a world of overwhelming melodies and uplifting vocals, we saw a distinct shift in the paradigm, displaying an entirely new realm of electronic music to delve into. While it didn’t offend anyone in a controversial way, it surely went against the societal grain of the music industry.
One doesn’t need to look far to see the raw talent possessed by this incredible artist, who draws on many similarities of the aforementioned director. At this point, he’s already spoken about in terms of lore, calling on the internet to hit their laptops within hours of his newest release. To be honest, that’s why we’re here with you right now, bringing you a hours old re-work of fellow Australian Seekae. Taking a blissfully familiar approach to this remix, we’re given a glimpse into a world crafted by haunting synths, crackling white noise, and interspersed percussion work. It’s once again spectacular to find this other-worldly approach to production, one that we’ll continually stand by as long as it keeps coming out.
