I can't remember the last time that there was ever this much hype around an electronic album. I can't remember the last time that an album within our scene was supposed to change lives like this. I can't remember the last time that music ever had so much power. It's the night before the release of Flume's Sophomore album, and scrolling through the inter webs Skin is the only word I see. Twitter is booming, Facebook is buzzing, and every other corner of the internet is patiently waiting on the release they have all waited so long for.
The moment hits, and the clock strikes twelve. Musical history is forever changed. May 27th is a day that will go down in the Books, as the day the Harley Edward Streten released upon the world a musical journey we were not prepared for. A musical journey, I'm not sure we could ever be prepared for. Skin is here, and from the first note that creeps through my speakers, it is already life changing.
Over the next two hours or so, I sat and listened to the entirety of the album. From start to finish, my mind was altered and moved through a series of heavy emotions, thought processes, and stories. Each track stuck out on it's own as a musical masterpiece, and all of the tracks together became a project that was alive. This album was breathing, it's heart was beating and I could feel it. I knew there were thousands of other listeners out there, having the same experience as me, and that connection was weighing on me throughout the whole album. Even listening to it again and again this morning, the presence of connection is so avidly running through me in a way I've never felt before.
I could sit here and tell you about which track was my favorite, about the technicalities of each piece, and explain to you the story that each is telling. However, in my opinion this album is unlike any other I've ever heard, and therefore it doesn't deserve the average review. What this album did for me was took me to a world far away from ours, a place where all things sit in harmony and the mind's imagination can wander freely. I've only heard the project through about two or three times, and it has already changed me. I will say this: if you have not heard the album yet, take time out of your day find a peaceful place to relax, and let it play through. Close your eyes, don't touch the computer, and allow yourself to be lifted into the crazy world that only Flume could have created.
As for a message to Flume, there's only one thing I can say in response to what you have done here. Thank you. Thank you for sparking a revolution that will change music forever. Thank you for what you have given us, and behalf of music fans all over the world, we are grateful for your expressions.
The album is available for purchase on iTunes here, and available for streaming on Spotify here. If neither of those services are available to you, all of the songs from the album are available on Flume's YouTube account here.
