Review: Flume feat. Kai– ‘Never Be Like You’

Ahead of the release of his forthcoming sophomore album, Skin, later this year, ‘Never Be Like You’ is the latest electronic offering from Australian producer Flume, featuring vocals from Canadian singer-songwriter Kai. The track’s release comes shortly after the artist’s surprise preview of the album at the start of the year, with its official release date unknown but expected imminently.

‘Never Be Like You’ superbly combines Kai’s smooth vocals with Flume’s synonymous trap and bass, indicative of his first album, but undeniably more intermittent and understated on this particular track, much like ‘Some Minds’, released last year.

Indeed, the track is certainly more vocally dominated than we would perhaps associate with Flume, but this does not detract from the indisputable quality of the addictive hook, which features poignant repetition of the title and “I’m only human can’t you see” throughout, evoking emotions of desperation and repent. The song’s heavily-synthesised conclusion is a welcome reminder of Flume’s electronic capabilities and will certainly satisfy fans of the first album.

Looking ahead, Skin is perhaps one of the year’s most eagerly anticipated electronic releases and from the teaser we can expect an eclectic mixture of tracks, featuring a wide range of collaborations. It will no doubt enhance his already substantial live portfolio, which will be evident at a number of tour dates across the world in the coming months.

‘Never Be Like You’ is out now via Future Classic.