Flosstradamus – Soundclash Review

Chicago duo Flosstradamus have given their fans even more reason to love the date 4/20. On top of being a widely-celebrated holiday in cannabis culture, it’s also when they dropped their latest EP, Soundclash, a six-track release full of 808 drums, heavy trap beats and a monster list of collaborations.

Kicking off the turn up is “Soundclash,” featuring TroyBoi, whose sound dominates with a dirty, glitchy melody. This one has already been on full rotation at shows nationwide, as it brings a unique take on festival trap. The dirty drop features a progressively louder bassline, and vocals that are near impossible to understand. Regardless, “Soundclash” will have crowds bobbing their heads and vibing out. As the title track of the EP, it sets the bar high for what’s to come.

Next, Flosstradamus teams up with Los Angeles producer NYMZ for “Wavy.” As one half of the duo Milo & Otis, NYMZ brings forward a trap melody with a cinematic build-up. Escalating synth plucks and echoing bass drums mimic the title of the track quite well. While enjoyable to listen to, “Wavy” only shines for its 2 minute and 35 second duration. Once the song’s over, you’re not going to have it stuck in your head, especially after listening to the rest of the EP.

“BYB (Bounce & Break Your Back)” is a perfect pairing of repetitive catchy lyrics and a beat that will get the crowd moving. A twerk song in nature, “BYB” is appropriately titled as dancing incorporating such moves is bound to ensue. Flosstradamus take listeners through their signature build-up with a beat that aggressively progresses in volume and speed. All lyrics aside, “BYB” could be the soundtrack to a getaway scene. Police sirens wail in the background in signature HDYBYZ style, adding to the drama of the track.

Flosstradamus turn the BPM down with “Don’t Trip,” arguably the most anticipated track of the Soundclash EP. Run The Jewels and Sizzy Rocket are featured on the sensual, trippy collaboration, as a mellow melody and winding sultry vocals by Sizzy Rocket take listeners on a dark and intimate journey. Run The Jewels comes in with a heavy verse accompanied by loud trumpet sounds, taking the track to the next level. “Don’t Trip” is a change from the trap sound fans are used to hearing from Flosstradamus, but it definitely doesn’t disappoint.

For its last two tracks, the EP finishes off extremely strong. First up is Flosstradamus’ collab with Valentino Khan, “MFU.” The glitchy trap beat provides no time for rest and jumps right into a frenzy of manipulated voices repeating, “middle fingers up.” The bass and vocals are chopped and screwed in numerous ways throughout the song, but Flosstradamus and Khan make it work.

Finally, we get the peak of Soundclash, “Prison Riot,” which features GTA and the king of crunk, Lil Jon. Absolute chaos is one way to describe this track, which is bound to initiate mosh pits or any other type of activity that mimics the title. Lil Jon’s words of encouragement such as “put your middle fingers up if you don’t give a f*ck” follow suit of the preceding track, causing one massive party. The echoing drums provide a base for the sound of intermittent horns, glass breaking and inmates yelling – all of which create the formula for madness. Expect to hear this track during the upcoming festival season, and prepare to find yourself in the middle of a rowdy time.

After given some time to recover from the craziness of the Soundclash EP, it’s safe to say that the HDYNATION (fans of Flosstradamus) will be pleased with this release. The duo showcases lots of variety with the songs here and prove that they are the kings of trap – and not just the festival kind. For the perfect house party music, turn to this EP as well as the rest of Flosstradamus’ discography. They’ve already mastered their sound, and Soundclash is just the beginning of them trying to expand it.