FLO ‘Access All Areas’ of good music

By Antonio Machado Staff Writer It’s been quite some time since the days when girl groups dominated the western music industry. With the disbandment of girl groups repeatedly producing breakout stars and the emphasis placed on individualism within music, it has become difficult and discouraging for groups to make it into the mainstream, but those days may be coming to an end, as according to the words of singer and actress Cynthia Erivo, FLO is our much-needed dosage of “bad b*tch replenishment.” U.K. girl group FLO have been slowly gaining traction since their sugary debut single “Cardboard Box” became semi-viral. They’ve repeatedly showcased a sophisticated ear for the R&B genre throughout their two EPs, and now their “meticulously prepared feast for our ears” debut album, “Access All Areas,” has affirmed suspicions that they are the next big thing. The group - composed of Jorja Douglas, Renée Downer, and Stella Quaresma - have been adamant in expressing their musical influences and how those influences have shaped their sound. “Access All Areas” is FLO “receiving the baton passed on by the likes of Destiny’s Child, the Sugababes, [and] SWV” as they access all aspects of R&B, said Erivo in the record’s “Intro.” FLO possesses a confident vision for both their career and sonics. The trio utilizes a nostalgic soundscape to find their own footing and signature sound - sharpening the smooth knife of ’90s R&B with a contemporary edge, cutting their own path to success. The group blends pop, R&B, soul, and a few elements of hip-hop into their intricately-layered harmonies, keeping the record cohesive and fresh. FLO is assured in knowing that their voices are the stars of the show, driving every song with complex harmonies that constantly arouse the ears. The titular track, “AAA,” is a sultry invitation delivered in an impressive vocal showcase, immediately setting the tone of the album with effortless harmonies and smooth runs that melt into each other. FLO express their self-assurance over the trap-infused “In My Bag.” Despite a guest appearance from rapper GloRilla and a brief Jersey beat change, the track is a bit weaker when juxtaposed to the raunchy, sensual ballads, “Soft” and “On & On,” where the group shines brightest - their angelic harmonies flowing together with the highest efficacy in a manner that perfectly contrasts the lyrical content. The heel clicks of the album’s lead single, “Walk Like This,” resonate the aftermath of a sexual encounter in an amusingly pleasurable Y2K-esque radio throwback. Their harmonies resonate in the backbeat, keeping the track’s heels clicking in the most fascinating manner. The sweet 808s of pop-R&B “Check” allow FLO to cheekily boast over all the good traits of a respective partner. A nice uptempo dance moment with a showstopping vocal highlight, the track perfectly demonstrates the group’s ability to incorporate as many vocal layers as possible without feeling crowded. Weaker tracks are rather unmemorable, but never unenjoyable. “How Does It Feel?” feels unambitious, being a generic contemporary R&B track, but it never feels bad, and it makes later tracks “IWH2BMX” and “Nocturnal,” that stray from the nostalgic R&B in favor of darker, icy synths and vocals, stand out and add a much-needed edge to the record. The deep bass of the post-breakup anthem “Shoulda Woulda Coulda” reminisces the works of Timbaland in one of the album’s best tracks. Feeling as though it were pulled directly from Destiny’s Child’s discography, the smooth orchestral strings match their voices perfectly. FLO has a resoundingly clear sonic profile, but thematically, the album never reveals much about the profile of FLO as people - rarely straying too far from a dejected or bitter breakup anthem or a soothing sensual melody. The moment they do, however, is an incredible grungy anthem against the industry pushback they’ve received, “I’m Just A Girl.” Although admittedly out of place sonically and thematically, the track expresses personality in an experimental and fun manner. “Access All Areas” reignites the flame of old-school R&B with a youthful fervor that is reflective of a girl group with a bright future ahead of them. Though minorly flawed, FLO’s meticulously-prepared record is demonstrative of a group with endless talent and a clear vision for their future, and that is all that can be asked of a debut album. Rating: B Seems Destiny had a few more children.