Smoke & Retribution cover

Released 10 years ago

Smoke & Retribution

Flume · 2016

4 min · 1 track · electronica

A vibrant blend of experimental beats and haunting melodies that draws listeners into an immersive sonic landscape.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Smoke & Retribution — The title track features a captivating interplay of glitchy beats and soulful vocals that encapsulates the album's overall aesthetic and thematic exploration.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The track showcases innovative sound design and structure, contributing to Flume's distinct style in electronica.

What we noticed

  • The track features a dynamic structure, alternating between intricate beat patterns and atmospheric synth layers.
  • It employs a gradual build-up, layering sounds over time to create an immersive experience that peaks before tapering off.
  • The use of silence and space is notable, with pauses that enhance the tension and release within the composition.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Solidified Flume's reputation as a pioneer in electronic music.
Career context
At the time of its release, Flume was riding high on the success of his self-titled debut album and had established himself as a leading figure in electronic music. 'Smoke & Retribution' marked his return after several successful collaborations, positioning him to further expand his artistic vision and influence within the genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Odesza· What So Not· Porter Robinson

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Smoke & Retribution

    The section where the vocals shift from ethereal harmonies to a more aggressive tone, creating tension in the narrative.

    This dynamic contrast not only highlights the emotional complexity of the song but also mirrors the album's overarching themes of conflict and resolution.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Smoke & Retribution 4:01

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata