“Palaces”, the third studio album by the Australian electronic musician Flume, is a testament to the artist’s innovative approach to music. Released on May 20, 2022, through Future Classic, the album blends electronic elements with natural sounds to create a unique auditory experience. The narrative of the album is further enhanced by its accompanying music videos, which provide a visual representation of the album’s concept.
The Inspiration Behind “Palaces” and Its Music Videos
After the end of his world tour, Flume returned to Australia, settling in a coastal town in the Northern Rivers area of New South Wales. The natural landscape, the rolling hills, the green color the sky turns before a big storm, and even the smell of rain – all these elements played a significant role in shaping the narrative of “Palaces”.
Flume and his long-time collaborator, the visual artist Jonathan Zawada, became fascinated by the local wildlife, particularly the birds. They collected field recordings of bird songs, subtly weaving them throughout the album. This connection to nature is reflected in the album’s title, “Palaces”, highlighting the luxury and magic of the natural world. The music videos, directed by Zawada, mirror this theme, featuring similar visuals to those Flume uploaded on his NFT website throughout 20211.
Musical Influences, Collaborations, and Their Visual Representation
“Palaces” is a melting pot of diverse musical influences and collaborations. It includes collaborations with artists like Oklou, May-a, Quiet Bison, Kučka, Laurel, Virgen María, Emma Louise, Caroline Polachek, and Damon Albarn. Each artist brings their unique style to the album, contributing to its eclectic sound.
The album was also influenced by the late Scottish producer Sophie. This influence, combined with Flume’s signature experimental sound, results in a groundbreaking album that expands Flume’s influences to even deeper reaches of electronic music. The music videos further enhance this narrative, providing a visual representation of the album’s diverse influences and collaborations.
Track Analysis, Reception, and Music Videos
The album’s lead single, “Say Nothing”, featuring May-a, is about “feelings of post-relationship clarity”. The music video for “Say Nothing” was released the same day as the album’s announcement, setting the tone for the album’s narrative1. Other notable tracks include “Sirens” featuring American singer Caroline Polachek, “Escape” co-produced by Quiet Bison and featuring Australian singer Kučka, and “Palaces” featuring British singer Damon Albarn23.
“Palaces” received positive reviews from critics, with an average score of 72 out of 100 on Metacritic. It was nominated for several awards at the 2022 ARIA Music Awards, including Best Solo Artist and Best Dance/Electronic Release. The music videos, with their stunning visuals and narrative storytelling, played a significant role in the album’s reception.
Conclusion
“Palaces” is more than just an album; it’s a narrative of Flume’s journey, a reflection of his experiences, and an ode to the natural world that inspired him. It showcases Flume’s ability to push the boundaries of electronic music, creating a unique sound that is both innovative and deeply connected to the world around him. The music videos serve as a visual extension of this narrative, further enhancing the listener’s experience and understanding of the album’s concept.