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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Cats with gloves don't catch mice, June 26, 2000
On "Oto", the band's third proper album, Fluke makes some effort to get away from the carbon copy of Underworld's sound that characterized "Six wheels on my wagon". However, for all those who think Fluke is defined by high-energy dance music, "Oto" will prove a disappointment. Much of the music is downtempo, and Fluke raise the tempo only for "Bullet" and "O.K.". This mix of dub rhythms, deep bass lines, and ambient sounds ambitious, but the song material often isn't there. The remix versions of "Bullet" and "Tosh", which can be found on the corresponding CD-single releases, are far more clubby and powerful than the album versions. The lyrics alternate between being 'super-smashing great' ("Tosh") and being downright silly ("Cut"). The most memorable aspects are the vocal performances, featuring vocoder voices, robotic murmerings, seductive talk-singing, and even some soulful delivery ("Setback"). "Oto" is not an immediately rewarding album, but it grows on you. I recommend you to save this disc for later and to buy "Risotto" first.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
We'll stop. Usual tricks., January 5, 2002
What other reviewers write off as "downtempo" is the key to Fluke's genius on this album- a subtle, progressive sound that sweeps the listener away into a world a little more magical than our own- from the subdued, almost childlike melody that begins "Bullet" right to the slow-building anthem "Wobbler" and into the beautiful female vocalizations ending "Setback".
Inevitable comparisons are drawn between "Oto", and Fluke's subsequent work, "Risotto"- if for no other reason than "Squirt" and "Setback", which appear (in different forms) on both albums. But comparing the two is unfair because of the different moods present. "Risotto" is (for the most part) upbeat, high-energy electronica at it's best (especially for those who crave more than just a good beat). "Oto" is infinitely more subtle, and more than a tad darker than "Risotto", and the lyrics reflect that.
"Oto" is a masterpiece of progressive trance, containing wonderful lyrics from the repition of the word "Super" in Tosh (something you gotta read to believe) to the dark, almost apocalyptic world we create from the lyrics in "Setback". Out of the eight songs on the 55-minute "Oto", all but "Cut" are beautiful and well-crafted, the latter being a bit weak and repetitive, but is still heads and shoulders above the mindlessly weak music that sits on the charts these days.
Buy "Oto". Now. And prepare to go to a world full of darkness and danger and even a little glimmer of hope somewhere underneath everything else.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fluke - 'Oto', July 13, 2000
Fluke has managed to quietly remain hidden within the realms of electronica within the US. Oto is perhaps a perfect example of what electronica can be - trance, dance, ambience, and a combination of the like. The first track is one of the most amazing trance tracks I have ever heard. It evolves into an incredible package of energy and tranquility at the same time. Fluke challenges the listener to focus on what is happening within their music. The rich textures and layers of sound will amaze any audiophile or headphone jockey.
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