EP Review: FLO, ‘The Lead’

Girl groups are back, and FLO is leading the charge. Between the short-lived success of Fifth Harmony, the quieter impact of groups like Citizen Queen and boys world, and Little Mix's current hiatus after a ten-year reign, we’re in a crucial moment for girl groups. With their pristine harmonies and effortless charisma, FLO is looking to revive the pop/R&B girl group on both sides of the pond. You would do well to place your bets on them.

Hailing from London with the poptastic production of MNEK on their side, FLO has become the latest viral success story in music. Back in March, their debut single “Cardboard Box” quickly made waves across Twitter and TikTok. The single places an earworm hook in the midst of slyly somber guitar-based instrumentation juxtaposed against notes of reggae. The trio’s tight harmonies provide some depth to the simple lyrics and further nuance to MNEK’s Y2K-inspired production. A strong-willed kiss-off anthem that recalls Beyoncé’s “Irreplaceable,” “Cardboard Box” is a smart entry point for FLO. The song doubles as the lead single and opening track for their debut EP The Lead.

Island

Released on Friday (July 8), The Lead does everything a debut project should. FLO situates us within their sonic world, which draws heavily from 2000s R&B and pop, and outlines the major themes of their writing (love, friendship, self-worth, etc.) We get some truly outstanding tracks, gorgeous vocal performances, and a general taste of what they’re capable of. “Immature,” the second single from the EP, is the immediate standout. The instant intrigue that Renée’s sultry lower register evokes is maintained throughout the track by way of Stella’s spunky pre-chorus and second verse and Jorja’s honeyed chorus. The back half of the song, however, is where the fun really begins. The thumping production is replaced by luxurious a cappella harmonies that elevate the track with ease. Arguably, pop&B girl group harmonies have not been this tight since Destiny’s Child. Their vocal blend is fantastic, but not at the expense of the shades of grit and rasp that mark their individual tones. Combine this with an interpolation of Beyoncé’s “Kitty Kat” and production that references Aaliyah’s “Are You That Somebody,” and you have an undeniable winner.

“Feature Me,” from which the EP derives its title, is another example of FLO blending their Y2K influences into something fresh. It’s an intimate number that relies on their sharp vocal chemistry to truly sell the come-hither energy. “Summertime,” a more mellow take on Hot Girl Summer anthems, and an impressive acoustic version of “Another Guy” also appear on the five-tack EP. Between their clear vision and indisputable talent, FLO is the best shot we’ve had a reviving the girl group in years. They have clearly studied their influences, but they also have been developing their individual and collective artistries to make some new out of those influences. Pairing up with MNEK was a genius decision, his respect for and knowledge of 2000s pop and R&B is unmatched on the production side, and he certainly flexed that muscle on The Lead.

Already making eye-popping gains at Spotify, FLO looks like they may have a genuine mainstream breakthrough with “Immature.”

Key Tracks: “Immature” | “Another Guy (Acoustic)”

Score: 75