"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	Electronic experimental hip hop[1]
Length	4:01
Label	Future Classic
Songwriter(s)	Harley Streten Vince Staples Laura Jane Lowther
Producer(s)	Streten
Flume singles chronology
"Never Be like You" (2016) "Smoke & Retribution" (2016) "Say It" (2016)
Vince Staples singles chronology
"Norf Norf" (2015) "Smoke & Retribution" (2016) "All Nite" (2016)
Kučka singles chronology
"Flux 98" (2015) "Smoke & Retribution" (2016) "My Boo" (2016)

Background

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

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

Certifications

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[12]	Gold	35,000
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References