sam flux - ​What Fiction

sam flux

​What Fiction
self-released;2016

3.8 out of 5

By Andrew Westberry
​

Having been a lover of playing music since the age of fifteen, Sam Flux was well prepared to begin his solo music project. His debut release as a solo artist, What Fiction EP, is a perfect expression of Flux’s own criterion for creativity - that it must move one, either mentally or physically.

​The album begins with “River” a traditionally structured song with hints of psychedelic rock influences peppered throughout the tune. The song, which features a chorus of vocals, piano chords, guitars and solid percussion, is a piece of contemplation on the Greek philosopher Heraclitus’s ideas about reality being in a constant state of flux.

Dark and powerful piano chords set the tone for the next track on the record, entitled “Placebo.” Flux expertly modulates his voice to fit with the tone and atmosphere of the piece as it transitions from ominous to optimistic and back and forth again. Droning organ chords and echoing bells add an extra layer to the increasingly jazzy feel of the track as it progresses through several verses and choruses.

“Pushed Out Of Shape” brings a new alternative energy to the album with driving guitar chords, unconventional chording on guitar, piano and synthesizer alike, and relaxed percussion making for a truly intriguing listen. Taking cues from classic rock, as well as ‘90s alternative rock and modern psychedelic music, this track is an exploration of the edges of how music can operate to bring together similar genres into a new, emergent genre.

The final track on the record “What Fiction” employs lush strings, tender piano and reverb-laced vocals and vocal harmonies to create the most beautiful song in the entire collection. This song highlights Sam’s ability to emotively mold his production to conform to many different styles and feelings. As What Fiction EP runs the gamut of contemporary rock, the listener is left in awe of Sam Flux’s honed skill and natural talent in composing and creating music and art.

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