Making his proper debut following the requisite remixes, mix tape, and comp appearances, Chile-born European producer fLako proves instantly likeable. Inspired by the 1961 children’s book The Phantom Tollbooth, the 12-inch (and digital) Mini Tollbooth EP showcases six tracks that are each around or under three minutes. It’s accessible without pandering to the lowest common denominator, and each song has a natural pop to it.
“Chroma” is a soulful, albeit brief, introduction, while “The Awful Dynne” splashes with bright melodies and “Doldrums” does smart work with a scratchy bass loop and stretched synths. On the record’s only real vocal turn, London singer Shuanise brings easygoing romance to “Love Opera”, a bit of lounge-y fluff that’s not looking to break much new ground. With its hip hop-informed loop and R&B harmonies, the aptly titled “Gentle” is more interesting but still light and airy. Ditto the closing “Kelau”, which achieves lush sweetness in part with canned horns. All in all, then, this is merely a fleeting notice of what fLako can do. And as expected from a mostly instrumental EP, there’s not much scope to it.
The real strength here is that, unlike most hotly tipped producers at the moment, fLako’s work doesn’t feel like a direct reaction to other music and artists. These songs seem intuitive and unfettered by genre, rather than trying to anticipate the next trendy permutation of dubstep or something similar. Mini Tollbooth is cut off from that world, and is thus a world of its own.
Doug Wallen
