When one thinks of popular music, especially in a world dominated by electronic composition, the flute is something that rarely comes to mind. However, the flute is the oldest instrument we have evidence of, with some dating back to the Paleolithic era. This musical pedigree has not been lost on NTHNL, as illustrated in his latest album “Cosmic Flute Rides Again.” The album shows the eclectic power of the instrument and tracks such as “Neon Flow” are great ways to show off its musical range.
The bouncy synths are the perfect intro for the flowy airiness of the flute that follows it in “Neon Flow”. The flute almost totally dominates the track when it takes over with its floaty, whimsical sounds even when the percussion enters the track. This mix of synths, drums and the playful melodies of the flute create a groove that’s easy to dance to. Whether it’s the flute, the smooth drum and bass background grooves, or the mix of the two, “Neon Flow” makes a great first impression when following the Prelude track and showing off the unique and adaptable identity of the flute.
The piano and upbeat drums in “La Salle D’attente” immediately delivers a pulse to the track that has a pop. It instantly establishes the playful aesthetic of the track and is easy to get lost in, unless you notice the rising synths that follow up the beat. When these synths get settled, the sax storms onto the scene to give the track a smooth feel that makes it that much easier to get lost in the track. The flute itself is nothing to forget about, however, and its playful attitude feels flirtatious when following the saxophone. These elements make “La Salle D’attente” instantly stand out in the tracklist which gets better on repeat listens.
“Digital Exposure” is another stand-out track. The creeping synths rise alongside clacks that instantly create an air of mystery and tension. The flute that follows doubles down on these elements, giving the track a feeling of hurried panic while the synth beat creates a heart-pounding pulse. When the saxophone jumps onto the track, it does so with playful synths to smooth out the experience and give the listener a bit of a respite to collect the mood. This doesn’t last long, however, as the heavy percussion starts up again as the sax accelerates its melody. As the synths get heavier, the sax gets more dramatic before it all breaks down into Aliya Ultan’s spellbinding cello solo to close the track out. “Digital Exposure” is one of the cinematic track on the album and perfectly creates a tension-filled listening experience that should not be missed.
“Cosmic Flute Rides Again” is a treat to listen to. The way NTHNL uses the flute to create powerful melodies and musical aesthetics is impressive, as is the way he makes it dance with the instrumentals of today. Tracks such as “Digital Exposure” and “La Salle D’attente” create incredible atmospheres that are immersive and show off the power this ancient instrument has. From synth-pop stylings to theatrical drama, “Cosmic Flute Rides Again” has a lot to offer is a wild ride and an instant recommendation to anyone looking for a truly unique listening experience.
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