The thing about EPs is that they're usually designed to give you a taste of something. Sometimes they're leftovers from an album, sometimes they're collections of non-album tracks, sometimes they're a couple of songs from an upcoming album with one or two bonuses. With some notable exceptions, they usually inspire a sort of "oh...neat" feeling, if anything. Flux is definitely one of those exceptions. At only three tracks clocking in at just under 13 minutes, it's a short and sweet concept record that does its job very effectively.
I'll let you read the liner notes for yourself (and don't skip the last page, or you'll miss out), but the general theme of this piece involves changing stages of life--specifically, the metamorphosis of insects (such as, say, a dragonfly)--and the music reflects it brilliantly. The opening track in particular has a very organic feel, resulting in a splash of sounds that's just this side of abstract. The work feels progressively more structured as it moves along, and as that almost chaotic mood diminishes, so does the pace increase. The transitions between "stanzas" are not seamless (and I generally love a good seamless transition), but they're distinct in a way that contributes to the theme of change.
Somehow, it seems there could be so much to say about such a short piece of work. I'm going to cut myself off so I don't ruin the effect; there's not much more I can say without inflicting my interpretations on you. The relationship between DFLingo's experience with film and the imagery-evoking qualities of Flux is undeniable. Listen to it undistracted. Take 15 minutes out of your day, get at least a quick overview from the liner notes (beautifully illustrated by the talented Minasmoke, by the way), and let this one seep into your mind.
The author received a promotional copy of Flux prior to writing this review.
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