Review Summary: To plant a seed...
An emerging glow from the sun brought rise from the soil a warm, gentle and sweeping guitar melody, a
seed. The seed’s growth escalated and with it a soulful vocal embrace which is sure to dazzle and tantalize the ears of those who follow its invitation. As
Flow State breezes by, it bleeds in shades of velvety, rich and engrossing melodies that envelop from its loamy soil. A soil enriched with mesmerizing instrumentals which come from a variety of outlets that illicit a pellucid sense of direction while showcasing a level of ascendancy beyond what one would expect of someone at the mere age of 23. Tash Sultana has sprouted from a seed and grown with the wisdom of an oak tree in the short 2 years since her
Notions EP.
Brazenly emerging over the horizon comes a blend of sounds ranging from psychedelia infused indie, reggae, soul and pop. Tash single-handedly embellishes her abilities into each new texture or soundscape presented on the album, providing a lush garden with a plethora of blooming arrangements. The arrangements change not only in the form of melodies but also in the form of instrumental selections from which Tash plucks from including guitar, piano, trumpet, drums, pan flute, mandolin, saxophone, synth and harp. However, the clear mastery of guitar is the shining element which sprouts throughout the album’s entirety. Tash’s aptitude for the guitar comes from a lifetime, having played since the age of three when her grandfather first gave her a guitar.
The Melbourne raised Aussie blossoms with not only a mastery of instrumentals, but an uncanny vocal ability which washes over like a soft drizzle atop the lush production, for which she is also given full credit for. The vocals having such power and range is also surprising due to the fact this album release was much delayed due to health issues, one of which was laryngitis. One would never guess the struggle that went into this album’s creation as it flawlessly interpolates multiple soundscapes and vocals here change style and pitch with ease.
Beyond the melodic adroitness, Flow State provides an expansive bouquet of surprises along its hour long ride. The blaring guitar solos (Big Smoke), the lightspeed riffage (Cigarettes), the opulent harp playing with moody piano trills (Seven), the groovy bass rhythms (Free Mind) and the blistering mandolin strumming (Blackbird) all provide examples of how wildly vast Tash’s abilities range from.
So as the sun sets and the day comes to an end, as does Flow State. Many who choose to open the shades and let in it’s warm and expansive rays of brilliance are sure to be impressed. Waiting for the sun to rise again with it more of the splendid doses of eclectic musicianship and vocal prowess that beckons from the efforts of Tash Sultana.
