College radio station KUCI 88.9 FM produces a professional ‘zine to promote their shows, DJs, and favorite bands. In the most recent issue, they featured a review of Flux penned by the station’s music director, Anji Bee:

With Flux, bandleader, Ryan Lum, has fully committed himself to the electronic groove based sound first hinted at on Love Spirals Downwards’ previous album, Ever. Flux gives full play to Lum’s increasing attraction to the melodic side of drum and bass music, with 7 of 9 tracks using that unique polyrhythmic technique. Over an electronic bed of break beats, samples and synth, Lum lays down his signature guitar melodies and lush washes, using both electric and acoustic guitars. 

Unlike most drum and bass projects, vocals — both full and sampled — are used extensively on Flux, creating more of a listening album feel than a dance club vibe. Including vocal work from long time collaborator, Suzanne Perry, as well as her sister, Kristen Perry — plus a redux of Jennifer Ryan Fullers 1994 “Sunset Bell” performance — all the vocals are very dreamy, light, feminine and classically Projekt Records in sound. 

I believe it’s the vocal sound Lum prefers which still keeps LSD in favor with the gothic/Projekt /4AD contingency that follows the band, perhaps even more so than his beautifully poignant guitar playing. Still, this release should finally blast away the misconception that they are a goth band. If you ask Lum, he’ll firmly insist that they were never gothic to begin with, regardless of how they’ve been perceived by fans or the press. 

Love Spirals Downwards has a way of creating happy-sad music that simultaneously makes one feel exalted and contemplative. Flux continues in this tradition, but seems to up the ante just a bit. Over all, the tempo is upbeat, the melodies heartbreaking, the vocals soothing, and everything flows together in the seamless, trance inducing, spirit-lifting vein of LSD’s past albums. With Flux, the songs speak both to your spirit and your mind, your heart and your body.