If you’re anything like me, someone who can struggle to relax because you’ve got so much on your mind. Then this stunningly beautiful album Flow State by Above & Beyond is an absolute must listen. It’s so peaceful and beautiful that it’s perfect for meditation, but be warned, it’s so relaxing you may just end up falling asleep.
Above & Beyond, a trio synonymous with soaring anthems and euphoric dance floor moments, took a profound and beautiful detour with their 2019 album, Flow State. Far from the high-energy trance they are best known for, this album is a deliberate and masterful exercise in stillness. It’s an album created not for the club, but for the quiet moments of introspection, meditation, and rest. Flow State is a testament to the group’s versatility and their deep-seated understanding of how music can influence emotion and well-being. It is a carefully curated journey into sound that seeks to calm the mind, soothe the soul, and, is so profoundly peaceful and relaxing that it can effortlessly guide you to a state of sleep. This album isn’t just background music; it is a sonic tool for finding inner peace.
A Departure from the Dance Floor
For Above & Beyond fans accustomed to the powerful kicks and soaring melodies of tracks like “Sun in Your Eyes” or “We’re All We Need,” Flow State is a significant shift in tone. The album strips away the elements that define a dance track—the four-on-the-floor beat, the dramatic drops, and the anthemic vocals—and focuses on the foundations of musical emotion. The primary purpose of this album is not to ignite energy, but to dissipate it. The tempos are slowed, often to a beatless state, allowing the melodies and textures to breathe. The album feels like the afterglow of a powerful festival set, the quiet morning after the big event, a moment to process the overwhelming beauty of the experience. It’s a brave and brilliant artistic choice, demonstrating that the emotional power of their music isn’t solely tied to tempo or volume.
The Art of the Soundscape
The core of the album’s appeal lies in its meticulously crafted soundscapes. Each track is a rich tapestry of ambient pads, gentle synth washes, and organic textures. Instead of using hard-hitting synthesizers, Above & Beyond opts for softer, more ethereal tones. The use of piano, acoustic guitar, and subtle, shimmering chimes creates a sound that feels both natural and otherworldly. The tracks flow seamlessly into one another, creating a continuous, uninterrupted listening experience. This is crucial to the album’s purpose, as it prevents any jarring changes in sound that might pull the listener out of their state of calm. You can hear the influence of ambient pioneers like Brian Eno and the emotive qualities of classical music. The sound is designed to fill a space gently, to envelop the listener in a warm, sonic blanket that encourages a deep sense of security and tranquility.
The Power of the Beatless
What makes Flow State particularly effective for relaxation and sleep is its frequent use of beatless or minimally percussive sections. The absence of a driving beat eliminates the physical impulse to move, redirecting the brain’s focus from rhythm to pure sound and melody. Tracks like “Deepest Blue” and “Long-awaited” are prime examples. They are carried by sustained, evolving synth chords and delicate melodies that drift and float, rather than drive. This lack of rhythmic urgency is a key component of its sleep-inducing power. When the mind is presented with a consistent, non-disruptive audio environment, it is easier to let go of conscious thought and slip into a state of rest. The album provides an auditory anchor, something to focus on that is beautiful and non-demanding, allowing the listener to gently drift off.
A Guide to Sleep and Meditation
The album’s title, Flow State, refers to a psychological concept where a person is fully immersed in an activity, experiencing a feeling of energized focus and enjoyment. While the album isn’t meant to be an aural stimulant, it is designed to help you achieve a flow state of mind in a different context—that of deep relaxation and meditation. The album’s continuous nature makes it an ideal companion for a meditation session, a yoga practice, or simply a quiet moment of reflection. For those struggling to fall asleep, the album acts as a perfect sleep aid. Its consistent sonic environment provides a shield from distracting thoughts and external noise, while its peaceful melodies gently calm the nervous system. The album effectively slows down the listener’s internal monologue, allowing the mind and body to prepare for rest. It is a testament to the group’s maturity as artists that they were able to create such a powerful and effective tool for wellness.
A Lasting Legacy of Calm
Flow State is a beautiful and significant album in Above & Beyond’s discography. It not only showcases their musical range but also their profound connection with their audience on a human level. In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, they provided a sanctuary of sound—a place to retreat and recharge. The album’s lasting impact lies in its ability to serve a purpose far beyond entertainment. It has become a cherished tool for many, a go-to for finding peace and quiet in a noisy world. It stands as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most revolutionary music is not the loudest, but the most serene.