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Written by Kenzie Gray.
The tenacious trio stands out amongst most acts, balancing three different visions with an affinity for the past. However, FLO captures synergy— vocally and conceptually.
British trio FLO has one simple message: girl groups are back.
In today’s music, there’s a big emphasis on individualism. Musicians aren’t just musicians— they’re brands too. And they’re promoted like brands, with an identity that is easily identifiable to listeners. It’s an extreme contrast to the music of the 2000s, when musical groups were as popular as solo artists. Acts like Destiny’s Child and The Backstreet Boys not only ruled the charts, but the world too. They proved that being a group doesn’t have to come at the cost of authenticity.
And thus arrives FLO. FLO consists of members Stella Quaresma, Jorja Douglas, and Renée Downer, whose combined timbres create the group’s perfect harmony. The group released their debut single, “Cardboard Box,” in 2022 and were immediately met with viral success online. Since then, they have dropped two EPs, a few standalone singles, and toured with Kehlani. Finally arriving at their debut album, Access All Areas, FLO aims to bring a modern spin to the girl group brand.
The album opens with “Intro,” beginning with a foreword from British actress, Cynthia Erivo. Erivo recounts the history of the girl groups of yore before introducing the members of FLO. It sets the tone for the rest of the album:“planet Earth was in dire need of bad bitch replenishment.” “AAA” follows suit with a bold brass arrangement. It’s reminiscent of music created by girl groups in the sixties, but the production adds another layer with a shimmery track beat.
Access All Areas is all about bravado. Whether it’s FLO’s soaring vocals or the melody of each track, nothing is short of impressive. GloRilla lends a dance break during “In My Bag,” the album's 4th single. The lyrics are the focal point of the track, discussing success, manifestation, and confidence. “Walk Like This” is similar, as the members attribute their newfound confidence and happiness to a lover that makes them feel good.
“How Does It Feel?” switches lanes. The production is dark in comparison to the brighter sounds of the previous tracks. It almost feels anthemic with the members chanting, "Tell me, how does it feel to have the baddest?” The lyrics throughout the album are delightfully fun, with every phrase and punchline eliciting a chuckle.
“Check” is another standout. In comparison to the rest of the album, it has a more conventional pop sound. The production is bouncy, making it impossible to not want to dance along. The chorus is fun and engaging, composed of witty questions. “Is he loyal? Check.” “Is he faithful? Check.” It truly feels like the members made a song just for the girls. “Shoulda Woulda Coulda” also deserves mention. It is sure to be a fan favorite with its lush, Aaliyah-inspired sound. Easy earworm!
As “Intro” would suggest, FLO isn’t shy in sharing their inspirations. “On & On” seems to be inspired by nineties R&B girl groups: the production is stripped back, and there’s much more focus on the members’ vocals and emotions. Similarly, “Bending My Rules” brings some groove back to the album. It’s a love song about those early feelings of a relationship— FLO is willing to “bend their rules” in order to make the relationship work. Thematically, AAA is an analysis of niche emotions of a relationship: from disbelief to worry, we're accessing every feeling.
The relationship is good right now, but the members still have some apprehensions. Don’t be fooled by the addictive, staccatoed production on both “Caught Up” and “IWH2BMX.” FLO sings a warning to their lover in magnificent runs and falsettos. The latter is decorated with Spanish guitar and yet, leans towards a darker, lush sound. “IWH2BMX” is another standout, with UK garage influences complementing a cold, sinister atmosphere- I would hate to be their ex, too.
Things take a sudden turn by the end. “I’m Just A Girl” adds a surprising rock edge to the album. It stands out in the album and among their discography, which is more R&B and hip-hop leaning as the rest of the album suggests. They’re even singing like metal singers at some points. It's an interesting creative choice to bookend an R&B record, but given AAA's exploration of relationship woes, the song leaves a lasting taste of desperation with the world.
Access All Areas makes a great debut record for the act and brings back the innate joy of classic, polished girl groups. Yet, Stella, Jorja, and Renee, vocal runs and witty lyrics galore, prove that FLO is not your traditional girl group. There’s plenty of notable 2000s influence, but the trio synthesize nostalgia with modern production styles: bad bitch replenishment, indeed.
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