Search - Flour :: Luv 713

Getting Freaky With The Flour

S. Davis | Birmingham, AL | 08/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is actually Flour's first two albums. Tracks 16-20 represent his self-titled debut, which were released separately when the album was released on vinyl and cassette. Tracks 1-15 and 21 are second album material.

Flour is a `one-man band', performing most of the instruments on his recordings. He is best described as `alternative', as I really can't think of any other genre that would have him. His style includes very pronounced rhythm, and distinctive guitar sound and lyrics that, while frequently indiscernible, are also quite strange.

The majority of the songs are very good. I find I can either sit and listen to them intently or have them providing a pleasant backdrop to the day, or I can even relax to them as I lay down to rest. It is quite experimental, ranging from the energetic to dreamy in moments.

LUV 713 starts off strong with "Rain Reign" and really doesn't relent. A long time favorite of mine...and the song that introduced me to Flour nearly twenty years ago...is "Fish and Cut Bait", which intersperses Flour's performance with "hellish squeals" and clips from a fishing show.

Other stand-out tracks include "Bodies on Fire", "Nicky's Sister", "Coffee", and "Starts a Fire".

Flour's debut material is solid, including the instrumental "Intro" and "Blood". "Outro" starts out as if it would be right at home in "A Clockwork Orange" before kicking off into alt-rock madness about a minute and a half into it.

This CD combines two of Flour's best. "Fourth and Final" is very similar and also recommended. "Machinery Hill", his follow-up to "LUV 713" is a lot more trippy, and will mainly be for completist.

I definitely recommend this album for those seeking to expand a traditional punk/alternate collection with original quality music. 5 out 5 or 9 of 10.

"