I wrote this review for the program guide for KUCI 88.9 fm

With Flux, Ryan Lum has fully committed himself to the electronic groove based sound first hinted at on his last album, Ever. This newest album should finally blast away the misconception that Love Spirals Downwards is a “goth band.” If you ask Ryan, he’ll firmly insist that they never were gothic to begin with, as he himself is certainly not goth, and neither is his long time vocalist, Suzanne Perry. While he admits having been to Helter Skelter a time or two, Ryan has been deeply involved with the underground rave scene since 1989.

Flux gives full play to Ryan’s increasing attraction to the melodic side of drum and bass music, with seven of nine tracks using that unique polyrhythmic technique for the basis of the songs. Over this electronic bed of beats, samples and synth, he lays his signature guitar melodies and lush washes, using both electric and acoustic guitars. Unlike most drum and bass projects, vocals are used extensively on Flux, creating more of a listening album feel that a dance club vibe. Ryan utilizes more sampling of vocals now than on past albums, which were more rock based.

Also of note is the fact that Ryan used several vocalists for Flux. Not only did he work with Suzanne, but also her sister, Kristen, for two songs, as well as using a sample of Jennifer Ryan Fuller taken from Ardor, for one track. All the vocals are very dreamy, light, ultimately feminine and classically Projekt in sound. I believe it’s the vocal sound Ryan prefers which still keeps him in favor with the gothic/Projekt/4AD contingency that follows LSD, perhaps even more so than his beautifully poignant guitar playing. This combination brings to mind Cocteau Twins, particularly the Otherness EP. More closely related in sound would be Massive Attack, with Elizabeth Frazier (of Cocteau Twins) providing vocals, on the new album Mezzanine. Both acts produce a similar blend of pop rock and electronic dance music in a listening album format.

Through college radio air play and Projekt’s increasing promotional devices (such as listening booths in major chain stores) word is leaking out to the general public. LSD possesses a potentially wide appeal that has remained mostly untapped until this point. Their blend of ethereal pop and danceable grooves is truly the most contemporary thing going on at Projekt records and something that I think many people are ready for.

For myself, I find Flux to be a perfect balance of sing-along songs and zone-out background whether I’m on the computer, doing housework, hanging with friends or driving around. The tempo is steady, the melodies heartbreaking, the vocals soothing, and it all flows together in the seamless, trance inducing, spirit-lifting vein of LSD’s past albums. Ryan has a way of creating happy-sad music that simultaneously makes me feel exalted and contemplative. Fans often speak of the spirituality of LSD’s music, and Ryan agrees that his music is largely a spiritual expression. With Flux, the songs speak both to your spirit and your mind, your heart and your body.