« Morphers » is a rattling 3 tunes split that was forged between French producer Flore and San Francisco’s Only Now. The release represents the unwritten language shared between both friends over the past 7 years, with their affinity for propulsive percussion workouts and livewire bass music. After releasing on the POLAAR label for years, Only Now and Flore finally met in person for a collab long awaited.
“Collaborating with someone on the production side is not something I’m used to “- says Flore. “It is like a non-verbal communication and its interplay of perspectives. But I think that Kush and I share a same sonic language and this new experience pushed us to embrace the unpredictability and subjectivity inherent in this new creative process.”
The story began in Paris when Flore invited Only Now to come play at her POLAAR night at la Station. A couple of days later they met again at Tim Karbon’s studio, and sketched out ideas. It shaped into a tune made by their 4 hands (« Morphers ») and « Cut & Run », a tune revisited in 2 versions, with their own slant, but trying to keep an even balance between each producer.
1. Track 1: Morphers - As the track opener, Morphers starts with a pulsating 3/4 groove, a heartbeat that sets the pace for what unfolds into shock out bashment electronics. The rhythmic backbone, characterized by sharp vocal snippets and wound up drum work, is a nod to the traditional dancehall foundation, but Flore & Only Now quickly subverts expectations with its transition.
2. Track 2: Cut and Run (Flore version) - Flore’s take on « Cut & Run » encapsulates the essence of big sound system influence. Dub-infused rhythms morph seamlessly into widescreen sound design elements, creating a unique dialect that invites you to decipher its ethereal symbols.
3. Track 3: Cut and Run (Only Now original) - Only Now’s tuneestablishes angular and punky grooves unrelenting in nature, reminiscent of his ritualistic live shows. The rhythms flip on themselves as acidic and free techno shadows slither into the mix with a nod to Europes wildest Soundsystem’s of era’s past.
Flore
floremusic.bandcamp.com/music
www.instagram.com/floremusic/
Only Now
onlynow.bandcamp.com
www.instagram.com/kusharora/
released January 30, 2024
Artwork by Ricky Mocky // Mastering by Cedric IFA