"Smoke & Retribution" is a song by Australian DJ and record producer Flume. It features vocals from American rapper Vince Staples and Australian singer Kučka. It made its debut on Zane Lowe's Beats 1 radio show and was released on 29 January 2016, by Future Classic.[2] The track is taken from Flume's second studio album, Skin.[3]
| "Smoke & Retribution" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Flume featuring Vince Staples and Kučka | ||||
| from the album Skin | ||||
| Released | 29 January 2016 | |||
| Recorded | 2015 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 4:01 | |||
| Label | Future Classic | |||
| Songwriter(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) | Streten | |||
| Flume singles chronology | ||||
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| Vince Staples singles chronology | ||||
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| Kučka singles chronology | ||||
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Background edit
Flume explained that he had started work on this song in the back of a van on the way to Las Vegas in mid-2015. Flume said, "It wasn't originally intended to have rap on it. Vince and I got to meet in person for the first time in L.A. in September, and that's when I showed him the beat... a few weeks later he sent back new verses for it. I was really happy, I love the tone of his voice... Similar story with Kučka's involvement in the track... she's got a lot of talent and I'm hoping to work a lot more with her in the future."[4]
Critical reception edit
In a positive review, Ryan Middleton of Music Times said "In 'Smoke & Retribution' Flume continues to show growth away from his oft-copied Australian synth-heavy sound for a track that is more conducive to a rapper, but also remains familiar to what Flume fans know the Australia producer for. He adds in quirky 8-bit synths, video game sounds and a jerky beat that molds to the sensibilities of Staples and Kučka."[5] Eric Torres of Pitchfork described the track as a "thrilling makeover" of electro music.[6]
Consequence of Sound said "Here, synths flicker and flare as guest collaborators Vince Staples and Kučka unfurl lines both swaggering and hypnotic."[7]
Charts edit
| Chart (2016) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[8] | 23 |
| New Zealand Heatseekers (Recorded Music NZ)[9] | 6 |
| UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[10] | 183 |
| US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs (Billboard)[11] | 18 |
Certifications edit
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[12] | Gold | 35,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
References edit
- ^ "Flume Feat. Vince Staples & Kučka – Smoke & Retribution". www.discogs.com. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ^ "Smoke & Retribution – single". iTunes Australia. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ^ "Listen to Flume's 'Smoke And Retribution' With Rapper Vince Staples". www.billboard.com. 28 January 2016. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ^ "Flume, Vince Staples, Kucka Release 'Skin' Song "Smoke And Retribution"". www.musictimes.com. 1 February 2016. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ^ "Flume, Vince Staples, Kucka Release 'Skin' Song "Smoke And Retribution"". www.musictimes.com. 1 February 2016. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ^ "Flume: "Smoke And Retribution"". www.pitchfork.com. 1 February 2016. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ^ "Flume and Vince Staples team up on "Smoke & Retribution" — listen". consequence.net. 29 January 2016. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
- ^ "australian-charts.com - Flume feat. Vince Staples & Kučka - Smoke & Retribution". Hung Medien. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
- ^ "NZ Heatseekers Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 8 February 2016. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
- ^ Zywietz, Tobias. "Chart Log UK - New Entries - 06.02.2016". Zobbel.de. Retrieved 17 February 2016.
- ^ "Flume Chart History (Hot Dance/Electronic Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 13 June 2016.
- ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2016 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 23 November 2016.