Los Angeles

Flying Lotus

Warp Records

2008-06-09

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Flying Lotus is among a new generation of artists emerging from California. A movement has captured worldwide attention, fueled by hip hop and bleeing edge dance music which has brought Flying Lotus almost instant widespread acclaim. This debut release on Warp Records takes inspiration from Los Angeles to form a deep, soulful and intricate album even the mighty Autechre would be proud of producing today.

The lush, analogue waves of opener “Brainfeeder” are distorted, weaving layers which serve as a fade in to “Breathe Something/Stellar Star” and paves the way for the subdued beginnings of the album. Its an opening sequence that will introduce the uninitiated to the chest-punching bass and manical drums he will make more dramatic as the LP develops, moving from deep-set hip hop to a more lyrical conclusion.

A masterful debut.

Although it’s a slow opening pace, by track six, “Comet Course”, Flying Lotus gives an air of salsa to proceedings. Like this record, Los Angeles and its surrounding areas are studies in deep contrast: haves and have-nots, glitter and grime, sunshine and shadow, whimsy and tension. He seems keen to highlight these contrasting aspects with those of a musical tangent, one minute losing you in these party vibes, the next into an interlude of distortion such as “Orbit 405” and the downbeat “Golden Diva”.

Having spent time as a film student, his sweeping visual mindset and singularly linear approach to crafting tracks suddenly explode into life as instruments and vocals drift over the offbeat rhythmic pulses. The final third of the album loses the fuzziness in favour of giving prominence to glimpses into other genres such as a Bollywood-esque 30 seconds in “GNG BNG” leading to big beat while “Parisian Goldfish” sounds like a late night house party. Then it all becomes downbeat in the closing stages as Flying Lotus sends L.A. to bed with lullaby “RobertaFlack” and after hours chill. Los Angeles is a masterful debut and gives Warp another major talent on the electronica scene to add to their ever-impressive roster.