Flux

Love Spirals Downwards | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 11, 1998)
• Original Release Date: August 11, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Projekt Records
• ASIN: B000009OL4
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #321,108 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Flux" is a gorgeous ethereal drum'n'bass album..., February 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Flux (Audio CD)

With "Flux," Ryan Lum has fully committed himself to the electronic groove based sound first hinted at on his last album, "Ever." This newest album should finally blast away the misconception that Love Spirals Downwards is a "Goth band."If you ask Ryan, he'll firmly insist that they never were gothic to begin with, as he himself is certainly not Goth, and neither is his long time vocalist, Suzanne Perry. While he admits having been to Helter Skelter a time or two, Ryan has been deeply involved with the underground rave scene since 1989.

"Flux" gives full play to Ryan's increasing attraction to the melodic side of drum 'n' bass music, with 7 of 9 tracks using that unique polyrythmic technique for the basis of the songs. Over this electronic bed of beats, samples and synth, he lays his signature guitar melodies and lush washes, using both electric and acoustic guitars. Unlike most drum 'n' bass projects, vocals are used extensively on "Flux," creating more of a listening album feel that a dance club vibe. Ryan utilizes more sampling of vocals now than on past albums, which were more rock based.

Also of note is the fact that Ryan used several vocalists for "Flux." Not only did he work with Suzanne, but also her sister, Kristen, for two songs, as well as using a sample of Jennifer Ryan Fuller taken from "Ardor," for one track. All the vocals are very dreamy, light, ultimately feminine and classically Projekt in sound. I believe it1s the vocal sound Ryan prefers which still keeps him in favor with the gothic/Projekt/4AD contingency that follows LSD, perhaps even more so than his beautifully poignant guitar playing. This combination brings to mind Cocteau Twins, particularly the "Otherness" EP. More closely related in sound would be Massive Attack, with Elizabeth Frazier (of Cocteau Twins) providing vocals, on the new album "Mezzanine." Both acts produce a similar blend of pop rock and electronic dance music in a listening album format.

Through college radio air play and Projekt1s increasing promotional devices (such as listening booths in major chain stores) word is leaking out to the general public. LSD possesses a potentially wide appeal that has remained mostly untapped until this point. Their blend of ethereal pop and danceable grooves is truly the most contemporary thing going on at Projekt records and something that I think many people are ready for.

For myself, I find "Flux" to be a perfect balance of sing-along songs and zone-out background whether I1m on the computer, doing housework, hanging with friends or driving around. The tempo is steady, the melodies heartbreaking, the vocals soothing, and it all flows together in the seamless, trance inducing, spirit-lifting vein of LSD's past albums. Ryan has a way of creating happy-sad music that simultaneously makes me feel exalted and contemplative. Fans often speak of the spirituality of LSD's music, and Ryan agrees that his music is largely a spiritual expression. With Flux, the songs speak both to your spirit and your mind, your heart and your body.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A nearly flawless album, May 12, 2002

By 

M. T. J. ANDERTON "Believe What you Want To B... (UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Flux (Audio CD)

God knows how I managed to get this great album, but Im glad I did. Being a fan of groups like Lamb, Hooverphonic and Massive Attack I was looking for an album with gorgeous female vocals, but with a more drum n bass approach. So whulst i was looking on the site I noticed a reccomendation for LSD, and i read a few reviews of Flux. It sounded very interesting, and despite having little money I decided to purchase the album - and im glad I did. This is probably my best music buy of 2002 (its much better than that pile of rubbish they called Come With Us by the Chemical Brothers)and just about every song on here is great. My favourite two are 'Nova' which is just sublime, and I love the textures and guitar/ambient sounds. perfect for a relaxing evening/night. The most gorgeous song Ive ever heard finishes the album (bar The Orb's 'Star 6/7/8' which is well worth a listen) is called Sunset Bell. This tune is stunning and is like a wake up call rather than a sunset. Simply a lovely voice crooning 'da da da da - da da da da' it sounds childlike and it is but its much more sophisticated than that. The only part that i dont like in the song is where it almost breaks down into 808 states 'Olympic 90' halfway through - then it carries on in the same earleir vein and is stunning. I cant believe what the world is missing, this duo are very talented. This is showcast on the first two songs 'City Moon' and 'Alicia' - and while the former is really good the latter seems 'Spanishy' mixed with Drum n Bass and doesnt work that well for me ( but i suppose for earlier fans a lot of whom ive seem mention its the best thing on 'Flux' like it the best cos its the most representative of their older material) so I gave the album 4 stars cos of that. Its not bad at all just not as good as the other 8 tracks. Another track that many will see as a standout is 'Ring' - if you like this stuff I reccomend 'Hooverphonic' , 'The Orb', 'Talvin Singh' and 'Lamb' - this is a very worthy CD which takes pride of place in my Cs collection

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I will always love....LSD, December 6, 1999

By 

JohnC. (MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Flux (Audio CD)

Love Spirals Downwards fourth CD "Flux" is yet another step up to probe the furthest reaches of my mind. It is more electronically based than any of their other releases. However, their last CD "Ever" was an indication of this event. Although it is drastically different in sound than their first CD "Idylls", it is 100% authentic LSD. The smooth beats and bass of "flux", coupled with etherial vocals make me forget where I am and even the date and time. This CD is perfect for anyone who likes electronica, goth, etherial and/or heavenly vocals.