FLUX
- Protoplasmic
Songs: 10 Time: 40:12
Flux is an
American duo whose latest creation, Protoplasmic, was produced by
none other than Mick Harris (Scorn, Matera, etc.) To me, Flux
comes off as a more accessible version of experimental. Ruth’s spoken delivery
on Patterns of Traffic plays well over the looped sequences of rolling
drum beats and subtle guitar riffs. The tone of her voice leans toward
monotone, yet every word can be heard, crystal clear. This same barrage of
musical sounds continues on Hollow Spaces, but this time it’s accented
with some funk and retro 80’s alternative elements. Also added into the mix are
some female backing vocals which add even more complexity and feeling to the
track. James takes over the vocal responsibilities on Unknown Codes.
Processing his voice into a hollow mechanized sound during the verses and
switching to a more natural delivery during the chorus makes for a very
interesting listen. Again, the music is a series of looped sequences, each
giving way to the next before the listener has a chance to tire of them. James
again uses a processor on his voice throughout Light Fuse, this time
making it sound rough, robotic, and partially staticy. Although the title track
has some nice beat programming, I found it to be the weakest of the bunch. Stretched
Out is a dark, eerie piece with a slow pounding beat and trudging guitars.
The vocals are ghostly, which adds to the somberness of the piece. Flux has a
unique sound, but it may not be enjoyable to all. While maintaining its
foothold within the experimental genre, Flux reaches out to many other musical
areas, dabbles for a bit, and moves on. It was for this reason that I enjoyed
the disc so well.
RELEASE RECORDS
(distributed by RELAPSE)
Flux
is:
P.O. Box 251
James
Plotkin & Ruth Collins
Millersville, PA 17551
Contact Flux
@
USA
94 Beucler Place
e-mail:
relapse@relapse.com
Bergenfield, NJ 07621
RELEASE
homepage:
http://www.relapse.com/index2.html