Customer Reviews

Flux

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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

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.

LSD is definitely a band that defies category on the Projekt label. Although sometimes I think Suzanne Perry's voice can be lost in the mix--and there are other times I think the ghostly presence of her vocal is deliberate--their music has always been soothing and somehow spiritual to me. "Flux" seems to be the highest point of this so far, since the overall sound and tone of "Ever" was a surprise in itself. Personally, I think their sound is more an ethereal electronica-derived listening music than the darker, delicate goth bands like Black Tape For A Blue Girl or loveliescrushing they seem to be grouped with.

This CD is soothing and a nice surprise for listeners who want that electronic influence and magical vocal line.

Ignore the weeping LSD fans still trying to get over the fact their favourite band went in a new direction they didn't like.

This album fuses together my favourite elements of music- melodic guitars, brilliant percussion and dreamy soaring vocals. Nova is by far the best track on this album, though they are all good quality, and seemingly unique these days (if anyone knows of anything like this album get in touch!). Sunset Bell is also brilliant provided you listen to it sparingly.

If you enjoy drum and bass- you will like this. If you enjoy spanish guitar- you will like this. If you like strong, but not grating female vocals- you will like this. It's an album that appeals on many levels. So go and buy it and ignore the LSD fans who don't like the electronic feel of the album.

Unlike many other reviewers here, I prefer LSD's newer, more electronic sound to their older work. As much as I enjoyed past albums, each song was so similar to the next that they all blended together. Yet Flux has many standout tracks ("Psyche," "Nova," "Ring," "Sunset Bell"). Also, unlike past LSD albums which served mainly for late night, introspective listens, Flux is also great in a club or for long, late night drives. Personaly, I don't think the electronic aspects of this album take away from the ethereal qualities of LSD at all.

Thank you ever so much for giving all of us (the fans) a truly bliss-full album. Suffice to say, this (FLUX) is one of the finest examples of modern electronic music to date. It's like making love in a warm sea...

I have just received it today and I was not sure the reasons behinh it! anyway, it was a nice surprise. I love Dead Can Dance and also Hooverphonic...on this CD, both meet (in a kind of way),music is: soft, delicate and full of grace. I like it very much highly recommend it of course.

Many listeners don't seem to realize that there are 3 vocalists on this disc. I actually think that guest vocalist, Kristen Perry, is the real vocal star of this disc, having co-authored and sung two of the most well-formed and poppy numbers -- "Psyche" (which appeared on "Dawson's Creek" in 2001), and "Ring." Suzanne Perry (Kristen's sister and the usual vocalist for LSD) turned in 3 pleasant, though somewhat under-developed performances with "City Moon," "Alicia," and "By Your Side." A third vocalist, Jennifer Ryan Fuller, appears on "Sunset Bell," which is simply a remix of a track from the 1994 LSD album, "Ardor.) Ryan Lum craftily used various samples to fill in the rest of the album -- some even run backwards, as on "Sound of Waves". "Flux" really illustrates how responsible he was for creating the vocal sound for the band, regardless of who he had to work with. All in all, I think Suzanne gets way too much credit considering the acutal input she had on this album. Ryan worked overtime to create these dreamy soundscapes, and he deserves more props!

Anyone familiar with the drum and bass style of music knows that one thing it is not usually known for is feelings and emotions. Generally, the goal of the drum and bass musician is to pack the dance floor, not make you contemplate the universe or go drifting away into dreamland.

That is why an album such as "Flux" comes as such a welcome surprise. Many of the songs here fall into the drum and bass style of electronica, with multi-instrumentalist Ryan Lum crafting elegant, if forceful, electronic textures to most of the songs. The keyboards and acoustic guitars build up to an odd combination of sterile, techno beats and lush, emotive musical arrangements, similar to Everything But the Girl's "Tempermental". And, much like Tracy Thorne of EBTG, the true star of this disc is vocalist Suzanne Perry, who adds her unique, beautiful voice to the electronic backdrops.

Perry's vocals seemingly meander in from nowhere in tracks such as City Moon, and carry other tracks such as "Sunset Bell". Rarely can a vocalist achieve a successful mix of emotion, range, and style in their singing, but Perry accomplishes it quite easily on Flux, adding a layer of warmth and comfort to many of the songs throughout the disc.

LSD have managed to create a meaningful, emotional album out of a style of music known more for its beats than its substance, which is no small achievement. Though some of the songs tend to fall into a predictable pattern, the ease and grace with which they bring out the feeling and emotion in each track more than makes up for any deficiencies in the song structures.