Cincinnati/Chicago-based three piece FLOCKS present their full-length album You Were Probably Younger Then via Asta Hiroki’s label - Folded Music.
Plying their trade as a jazz-trained electronica group who straddle musical territories similar to BADBADNOTGOOD, Squarepusher, and Radiohead, the band is driven by a fascination with the possibilities of human interpretation of electronic sounds.
Members Tom Buckley (drums/samples), Josh Jessen (synths/keys), and Stephen Patota (bass/guitar) have performed/recorded across the world with such artists as Hi-Tek, Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo), and Fareed Haque, as well as members of WHY? and Deerhoof.
As a result of these wide-ranging experiences at relatively young ages, their musical knowledge and cross-genre playing is unparalleled. This album truly sees them in their element - exploring the full potential of thoughtful composition and extemporaneous creation within the settings of electronica and studio production.
The resulting sound is heady, yet always grooving, as they traverse explosive and energetic musical flexes on openers “fashion camp” and “jexqjex,” ambient and introspective moments on “held” and "tethered / untethered,” and experimental modern-jazz exploration on “counterfeit” and “find, fix, finish.” Despite the vast musical ground covered, the sonic treatment and indelible, signature FLOCKS sound guide the listener through a cohesive experience.
Teaming up with producer John Davis (NERVE), FLOCKS recorded You Were Probably Younger Then at Bunker Studios in Brooklyn, New York. John’s creative touch was integral to the overall tone and sound of the material, and his input helped to shape the expansive compositions. Longtime collaborators of the band Brianna Kelly and Ben Sloan also lent their talents to provide some gorgeous moments and additional textures.
You Were Probably Younger Then is inspired by youthful energy and dream-like introspective states. The technical, yet emotional, character of the music perfectly exemplifies this mood of vigour, vitality, and discovery. But, for a record featuring so many produced and designed textures and sounds, the final moments are harmonious and fitting with the three band members in a room, improvising together, in the most acoustic and human statement on the album.
credits
released August 5, 2022
Recorded, Produced, & Mixed by John Davis at The Bunker Studio 2022
Mastered by Alex DeTurk at The Bunker Studio 2022
Artwork by Antoine Geiger
Formatting by Kara Lin
supported by 4 fans who also own “You Were Probably Younger Then”
Sweeping, ambitious and orchestral post-rock and jazz. I really enjoy how prominent the drums are in many of the tracks, and that even though the songs are long they never feel meandering. For some reason the synth parts remind me of The Doors. I like that. A.T.L
Skittering songs from this French ensemble that straddle the line between jazz & electronic music, working both into their heady brew. Bandcamp New & Notable May 7, 2021