FlxshWave: Feelings (N104) [feat. Ashii] – an awesome space between pop catchiness and a chill narcotic groove

If you can make it to the end without passing out from the excitement of it all, the one thing that seems clear is that, on Feelings (N104) [feat. Ashii], FlxshWave is striving to do something different to his previous work. You can see why, as he heads straight towards mainstream appreciation with a track that forges a wealth of melancholy and melody – two ingredients that are known to deliver strong emotions to any listener’s ear.

For those who still don’t know, FlxshWave is an artist from Paris, France who has been producing and writing music for other artists since 2008 but has ultimately decided to drop a full project under his own moniker. FlxshWave’s influences ranges from EDM to Jazz, from Symphonic Metal to Hip Hop and Caribbean Music, as well as Pop and Rock.

Feelings (N104) [feat. Ashii] is the second single from the EP entitled ‘#ROADS’. On first listening this track doesn’t across like on-repeat banger. Instead it’s a clever, solid piece of crossover Chillwave that can fade into the background but has the ability to jump out and take hold of your ears.

It sounds great on headphones and even better coming out of speakers in a car or at a party, where it can breathe a little. Chillwave as an idea and a sound is here to stay. Synthesizers are in; guitar-based rock has taken a backseat to diffuse, rhythmic dance music; and the sound’s key influences – blissed-out electronica and hip-hop beats, have leached into some of the most interesting music happening right now.

And while Feelings (N104) [feat. Ashii] isn’t too shiny, the more professional production approach rewards multiple listens. FlxshWave’s delicate, lasting production flourishes with the cracking snares, the impenetrable soft fashion-show synths and the soulful vocals by Ashii.

The drums are bold and complex, while the instruments and background vocals are used for atmosphere the way samples and effects were before. The track is also very sensual and slinks along, slowly creeping into your ear buds, while there is a lush, wintry warmth to the production. It is a great soundtrack for a tender, Sunday morning make-out session, intended for making love rather than fucking.

Feelings (N104) [feat. Ashii] enters a rarefied, awesome space between pop catchiness and a chill narcotic groove. FlxshWave has made an elegant, subtle track at a time when others have abandoned the genre and raises the production stakes very high, which is even more impressive.

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