Flume – Flume

Flume, released in 2012, is the self-titled debut album from Australian producer Harley Streten, known professionally as Flume. The record established him as a leading figure in the emerging wave of future bass and experimental electronic music. Built around lush synths, chopped vocals, and off-kilter beats, the album redefined the intersection between accessibility and experimentation. Tracks like “Sleepless,” “Holdin On,” and “Insane” showcase Flume’s knack for combining soulful melody with bold, textural production, creating soundscapes that feel both warm and alien. As a debut, Flume is remarkably assured—it introduced a sonic identity that would influence an entire generation of producers and electronic artists. Its emphasis on rhythm manipulation, layered atmospherics, and emotional electronic design marked a new direction for Australian dance music, propelling Flume onto the international stage. More than a collection of beats, the album feels cohesive and cinematic, a statement of purpose that still resonates across contemporary electronic scenes.

Reviews

“Flume’s debut is a confident, textured piece of work that sounds both fresh and timeless.” – Pitchfork

“A debut that helped reimagine what mainstream electronic music could sound like, mixing soul and experimentation with finesse.” – NME