Artist: Fluke Album: Risotto

Year: 1997
Duration: 0:0-1

A Look at Fluke's Album, Risotto - A Critical Review

Fluke, a British electronic music group, has been making music since the early 1990s. Over the years, they have released numerous albums, each with its own unique sound and flavor. In this blog post, we'll be taking an in-depth look at one of their most notable albums: Risotto. We'll be discussing the history of the band, the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and ultimately, a critical review of the overall body of work.

Let's start with a brief history of Fluke. The band was formed in the early 90s by Mike Bryant, Jon Fugler, and Mike Tournier. Over the course of their two decades of making music together, Fluke became known for their blend of electronic, house, and techno music. They released several albums throughout the years, each with its own style and sound, but Risotto, released in 1997, remains one of their most notable works.

Risotto falls under the category of electronic dance music (EDM), a genre that was exploding in popularity during the mid-to-late 90s. This album embodies what made EDM so appealing at the time: thumping beats, catchy hooks, and an overall ethereal atmosphere. The soundscapes of each track on the album were unique, yet cohesive; there was something for every kind of listener. From the uplifting Atom Bomb to the melancholic Tosh, Risotto was an experience that could be enjoyed by both club-goers and casual listeners alike.

Despite all the great tracks on Risotto, there are a few that stand out. Absurd, the first single off the album, is a classic that epitomizes what Fluke is all about. The track Squirt is another noteworthy standout, with its infectious bassline and hypnotic vocal sample. Bermuda, the closing track of the album, is an epic conclusion that builds to a satisfying climax.

One of the most innovative parts of Risotto is the way it transcends the traditional confines of EDM. Fluke doesn't rely solely on the standard four-on-the-floor beat found in most club bangers, but rather, they blend different styles and genres into their music. YKK employs jazzy saxophone riffs, while Setback features industrial soundscapes and gritty synths. This experimentation is what sets Fluke apart from their contemporaries.

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room: the album's weaknesses. While Risotto is an incredible album, it's not without its flaws. The second half of the album, in particular, gets bogged down by overly repetitive tracks that lack the spark and ingenuity that the previous songs had. This makes the end of the album feel like it's dragging on, despite the fact that there are only twelve tracks on the album.

All in all, Risotto remains a great album even more than two decades after its release. Its blend of genres, catchy melodies, and ethereal soundscapes make it an enjoyable listen from start to finish. While the second half of the album does falter slightly, it's a minor quibble considering the overall strength of the album. If you're a fan of electronic music or just looking to expand your music library, then giving Risotto a listen is definitely worth your time.

All in all, Risotto remains a great album even more than two decades after its release. Its blend of genres, catchy melodies, and ethereal soundscapes make it an enjoyable listen from start to finish. While the second half of the album does falter slightly, it's a minor quibble considering the overall strength of the album. If you're a fan of electronic music or just looking to expand your music library, then giving Risotto a listen is definitely worth your time.