Flying Lotus Ascends to New Heights on Spirit Box
The Los Angeles-born producer hypnotically fuses the past, present, and future on his new EP.
by Adriel Smiley
Electronic producer Flying Lotus makes a triumphant return with surprise project, Spirit Box. Last year, his fans were blessed with Flying Objects, a collaborative EP with Harlem-based rapper Smoke DZA, but Spirit Box marks his first solo studio project since 2019.
Opening with the ominous “Ajhussi,” the track sets a chilling tone, evoking the eerie atmosphere of a scene from a suspenseful thriller. A swift transition into the synth-driven, bass-heavy production we’ve come to anticipate from him precedes the latter. Guest appearances from Danity Kane’s Dawn Richard and Indian musician Sid Siriam bring Flying Lotus’ production to life further.
“Let Me Cook,” the most contemporary record and obvious stand-out of the project, has an R&B feel and echoes the essence of a hit record from the late 2000s. The pace on “The Lost Girls” progressing into “Ingo Swann” is infectious, and the percussion on the aforementioned track channels a dystopian industrial rave. Though the track serving as an outro for the project is slightly unconventional, it serves to keep the listener engaged and on edge.
With Spirit Box, Flying Lotus delivers a dynamic and varied experience, sustaining energy without slipping into monotony. The project effectively underscores his artistic range and reaffirms his creative mastery.
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