FLANCH is a blossoming experimental hip-hop/electronic act based in Los Angeles. While the overall nature of the group itself is still relatively unknown (the members seem to enjoy covering their faces), it dropped it's debut self-titled project a little over a year ago today. I stumbled across this release when casually browsing Bandcamp, and I was immediately drawn in by the album's artwork. Offering a glimpse of what's to come, the project has the essence of experimental and hip-hop music, yet it sounds as if it was created by some non-Earthly entity.
The production is particularly reminiscent of Arca (which they credit for inspiration) or the type of sounds you would hear in FKA twig's music. Constantly evolving sound patterns and pitch shifting vocals keep the record perplexing, but strangely accessible. Speaking of vocals, FLANCH features both rapping and singing, The former showcases up and comer Devin Dabney's skills behind the microphone (see "graace" and "ble$$ings"), and the latter projects R&B influences with an otherworldly twist ("pretty girl" and "hal0"). The lyrics on this project are arguably what defines the album, however. Rooted in religion and spirituality, FLANCH aimed to target those who "grew up Christian then turned "non-believer." While it is not a "Christian" album, the lyrics showcase a perspective on religion that I can't say I've heard before, and the only way to do it justice is by listening to the project. I will say this: listen to "hal0" and tell me how immediately comfortable you are with the phrasing.
Ultimately, I am of the highest of hopes that this group releases another project this year, as I can only imagine how they will progress. Few debuts in recent memory carry an identity as solidified as this, and my ears will be front and center as soon as FLANCH decides to take the next step.
