Flux Bikes is the solo project Chicagoan Rob Frye (also of Cave, Bitchin Bajas) who's project revolves around the idea of bicycle wheels as percussion instruments, incorporating West African rhythms, electro-acoustic techniques, and improvisation combined with saxophones, flutes, bass clarinets, and other various instruments & sounds . Beyond having a completely novel approach to modern electro-acoustic music, Rob also tours the via his bicycle, with a fully solar powered sound system allowing him to perform almost anywhere with his mode of transportation and his musical instrument being one in the same.
Prototype, recorded in 2014 in Chicago, IL is a full 60 minutes spread said wheel percussion, and various winds/reeds floating over in a seemingly effortless and soothing way. The unique sound of the percussion; bike wheels processed through effects and built through clever uses of looping is paired alongside exceptional performances of saxophone, guitar, bass clarinet, conga, & slinky across 8 perfectly individual tracks. A fantastic release to get completely lost in that uses the familiarity of African & Eastern percussion done in a completely original and unusual way.
Rob has been perfecting this craft for a number of years and in addition to touring the US via bicycle on 500 mile tours and playing in pretty much every facet from a club to the middle of forests & parks, he's also conducted workshops for solar performances. One of the most creative and ambitious individuals I know and this hour of music certainly speaks for itself. Highly recommended!
Mastered by the incredible Cooper Crain
--from Brett Naucke-- CATHOLIC TAPES 2014
credits
from PROTOTYPE,
released August 19, 2014
All songs performed and recorded by Rob Frye at Rueben's Palace
Modular synths sparkle amidst piano, vibes, and other organic instruments stringing together constellations of sound. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 22, 2023