Skin

Skin is the sophomore studio album by Australian producer Flume, released in 2016 via Future Classic. Following the massive success of his self-titled debut, Skin represents a significant expansion in both scale and sonic ambition. The album is notable for its diverse range of collaborators, bridging the gap between underground electronic music and mainstream pop/hip-hop with features from Beck, Vince Staples, and Tove Lo. Sonically, the album is a masterclass in 'wonky' and 'future bass' aesthetics, characterized by its heavy use of granular synthesis, pitch-shifted vocal chops, and extreme dynamic shifts. It won the Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album in 2017, cementing Flume's status as a global leader in the genre. Critics noted its ability to balance avant-garde textures with accessible pop structures, particularly on the hit single 'Never Be Like You.' The album's influence can be heard across the electronic landscape, popularizing a specific style of rhythmic 'ducking' and metallic synth design that became a staple of the era.