#19 Flume - Flume

[Soundtrack] Electronic music is polarizing. You've got that grimy dubstep stuff that isn't always smooth and really only appeals to a certain set of ears. Same with a lot of house music, where it's usually hardcore EDM fans that live, breathe and swear by it. But to make electronic music that's widely accepted by lovers of different musical styles, WITHOUT compromising the integrity and the essence of electronica, is the challenge; One that put 22 year old Australian Harley Streten (Flume) in rare company Sometimes it's hard to convey exactly WHAT makes an album so good. What is it that draws so many people to it? I just convinced myself on the above paragraph, lol...Listen to the soul on the album's second track "Holdin On" featuring Freddie Gibbs Hip shakin mama i love you! Oh hell yes...It's elements of jazz and soul woven in seamlessly with the hard bass. That shit is straight wavy And the way he incorporates vocalists into his music is flawless. His main homie, Chet Faker, pops up on "Left Alone" and he uses singer Jezzabel Doran on the mega-hit "Sleepless". Both relatively unknown, but add remarkable depth to the intricacies of the songs The album's peak is on "Insane" featuring Moon Holiday. I remember the glorious set in the electro tent at LA's FYF Fest, as we exited mid-set to another stage, dancing the whole way through the crowd, drawing smiles with our struts and spins. Weaving in bliss, all the while hearing Flume audible treats: Go insane! Go insane!And it was such a release. The only time we were in the electro tent all weekend was for it's most accessible act and dude had this place BUMPING! Make no mistake about it, this was one of the best dance albums of the year. The pure emotion it inspires in the listener is unique and it doesn't require familiarity with electronica to appreciate it. These songs speak to our many likes...whether it's the aforementioned jazz and soul, hip-hop and even something for the electro-pop kids to bounce to. This is music that makes you feel. It makes you move and we need that in our lives. Cause there's nothing more disappointing than going to a show and seeing a bunch of sad saps standing still to the music. Now get outta here and go dance, or zone out on this jam, cause it'll make you feel like everything is wonderful. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Check out our running spotify playlist of the albums of the year here!