WARP
Out Now
Flying Lotus on Soundcloud
Album artwork can, more often than not, give no insight into the music within but Flying Lotus’ new album You’re Dead is a perfect exception to this. Opening song ‘Theme’ is a seamless introduction to this psychedelic album, which builds up phenomenally, leaving you feeling relaxed, spaced out and excited that such original new music which echoes into so many genres exists. Returning to look at the album artwork (by Japanese comic book artist Shintaro Kago) as the album ends, I feel like it integrates every note of the album into one visual marvel.
“The album isn’t about the end, it’s really the beginning. It’s a celebration of the next experience. It’s the transition and the confusion. It’s not ‘hey you’re dead.’ It’s ‘hey you’re dead!’” This is Flying Lotus describing the album, but I think the quote conversely resonates in how when this album of 38 minutes comes to an end it delivers a sad surprise of ‘hey it’s over!?’ not ‘hey it’s over.’
The album jumps from psychedelia into jazz, merging with more electronic influences and back again. The songs feature numerous artists including Herbie Hancock, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Angel Deradoorian, Thundercat & Niki Randa and this is what makes the album so diverse, with each song having its own style and voice. The album even includes an appearance from Captain Murphy, Flying Lotus’s alter ego.
The album’s autumnal release is very well placed; it is the perfect piece to plug into on the bus or play aloud in the evenings as the air gets cold, the trees turn brown and the nights grow long. This album sweeps your mind away and provides the perfect soundscape to cosy down and settle in to. Clearly, I love it!
