Flux Pavilion - Blow The Roof EP

By Patrick Campbell

Released March 8th, 2013 - Warner Music

British DJ and Producer Joshua Steele aka Flux Pavilion has released his latest EP almost two years after his last entirely solo album "Plux Favillion".  The EP features rapper/comedian Donald Glover akaChildish Gambino, Example, Sway and British MC P Money. The release shows a growth in Steele's ability as a music maker, toying with multiple genres and rhythms but always sticking close to Dubstep where he is undoubtedly most comfortable. As far as EPs go it's pretty long, with 10 new songs it is as long as most full length albums these days and you definitely won't be wanting more for the price you paid.

The first single "Blow The Roof" comes after massive success with the song "Jah No Partial" by Major Lazerwhich he features on. It is loud and fast, it's quirky synths and strong drum rhythms mix with the looped vocals to build up to a huge break that will get you up and dancing in no time. The single has the beat and sound that will make it a hit in the clubs for sure.

Steele displays his vocal talents on a few of the songs including "Starlight" and "The Scientist" showing that he can hold his own in a song without having to bring in a big shot MC or vocalist. The latter is one of the better songs on the EP, a heavy, layered track that has a background of plucked strings and organ. His husky voice leads the song to its peak and carries its through. This and the reworking of his hit "I Can't Stop" fittingly named "I Still Can't Stop" are two of the most enjoyable tracks, the latter being a more layered, track that takes the song that inspired millions for the online Kony 2012 campaign to greater heights.

The standout track is Steele's collaboration with Childish Gambino "Do Or Die". The backing track fits perfectly with the rappers well written lyrics. Unlike other songs on the EP like "Daydreamer" with Example, the song's backing track takes a back seat and allows the lyrics to shine through and be heard clearly. The song will have people repeating the lyrics "Gambino forever" in hopes they will collaborate again.

This EP has the sort of music you'd like to dance to in a club in it. I can't really think of any other situations that this music would be appropriate in. It's the type of music that you listen to and think that each song sounds pretty much like the other. That's the problem here, you listen to the ten tracks and you feel like you've just listened to one or two songs over and over, it makes it hard to listen to again, and that's supposed to be the point of music you should want to listen to it.

2.5 / 5