Review Summary: "1983" is a subtle electronic masterpiece.
To the timid or slightly uneducated music listener, Flying Lotus would be an easily cast-aside "electronic" release. I mean really, someone that is not cultured in the sounds of Aphex Twin, Madlib, and other such premier "electronic" producers would in no way be able to comprehend the beautiful mishmash of genres that is present on "1983". Steven Ellison (The individual behind Flying Lotus) is a master of his craft, subtly combining the pulsing ambience of Aphex Twin (think "Melodies of Mars"), the jazz slant of Madlib's "Shades of Blue", and finally a bit of his own touch.
Reviewing various tracks on "1983" in my opinion seems pointless. It's a plodding soundscape for its entirety and all of the songs seem to work off each other furthering the previous ideas. When discussing Ellison's music, it'd be important to note that it seems he likes to experiment with the bare minimal. Synths, drums, and samples are all that is found on this album and most of the time, they're very sparse in their delivery. The layering and sequencing on "1983" isn't cluttered in the least; every gorgeous tone Ellison has crafted in this album comes out perfectly, and that's really the main strength of "1983", it sounds ridiculously good.
In its essence, "1983" isn't meant to be fully appreciated by someone that isn't familiar with its content or genre. The innovation on it is subtle and modest just like its delivery. Ellison isn't showing off his brilliance in sequencing like say, Aaron Funk of Venetian Snares. No, Ellison's beauty and intelligence lies in the minimalism of his compositions. Whether it is in the off-rhythm of "Orbit Brazil" or the easily accessible "Unexpected Delight", "1983" is able to jump through an array of subgenres in just under forty minutes, but not by forcefully showing you, instead by subtly leading you.
This album is pretty cool. I don't really agree with you on how great it is, but maybe a few more listens will uncover that. As of now, it just seems like a really awesome record to chill to, or something like that.This Message Edited On 04.10.07
cosmogramma is really expansive and hard to grasp, but i feel like this is the opposite in the way it focuses around really minimal, yet entrancing vibes, sort of sucking you into it.
so yeah skipping over all of that, it's almost as good as cosmo
