Flume Shakes The Shrine With Special Guest Vince Staples

Joseph Baura

As EDM’s popularity continues to rise, there are several artists considered trendsetters in the genre. Chief among these is Australian DJ Flume, AKA Harley Streten, thanks in part to his frequent deviations from the traditional EDM sound. Flume’s collaborations hard-hitting hip hop artists like Raekwon and Vince Staples and smooth, soulful singers like Chet Faker and Sam Smith make it clear that he doesn’t classify himself as a mere DJ, but more of a stylist with his own sound and style, going from rookie DJ to electronic maestro.

Flume released his self-titled debut album in 2012 at the age of 21, making him one of the youngest successful DJs of the genre. Flume took his time in fine tuning and crafting his sophomore album, “Skin,” which he recently dropped this past May, four years after his debut release. Upon the first listening of “Skin,” it is evident that the time taken to carefully craft and mold a sound that he has easily made his own, which also shows his growth from rookie DJ to electronic maestro.

At the Shrine Expo Hall, Vince Staples opened one of the Aussie DJ’s shows during a four night engagement. Staples delivered a nice warm-up with songs from his “Hell Can Wait” and “Summertime ’06” albums, winning a strongly positive response from the crowd.

Prior to his set, Flume prepared the crowd with an ominous instrumental as a fog crept over the crowd. After a short wait, Flume emerged under an elaborate set design featuring glowing boxes throughout the stage and a large screen displaying landscapes and abstract figures. Right off the bat, Flume hit the crowd with one of his most popular pieces, “Helix.” Throughout the entire set, Flume took his fans on a sonic roller coaster as his mix aimed high, where fans jumped up and down, to lows, where the fans swayed to the music with eyes closed. Essentially, Flume turned the entire Shrine Expo Hall into the quintessential house party.  After almost an hour and a half, Flume formally concluded a great musical journey by thanking the crowd for both their attendance and energy,.

Flume and  Vince Staples shook the Shrine Expo Hall to its foundation on Aug. 11, the second night of Flume’s four night run.