Technically a 2024 release, with a 2025 vinyl release (and let’s be honest, is it really “released” unless it’s on vinyl?) Flying Lotus surprise-released the EP, Spirit Box, which intriguingly bridges the gap between nostalgic sounds and his established futuristic vision.

This five-track project blends his signature experimental style with a surprising retro sensibility, drawing clear lines from the fusion-funk of the late 1970s to the bouncy house music of the 1980s. The two vocal tracks, in particular, highlight this throwback feel: Dawn Richard’s “Let Me Cook” evokes breezy, late-70s wine-bar jazz, while Sid Sriram’s “The Lost Girls” recalls a past of Beat bongos and poetic murmurs.

Alongside these are his characteristically “out there” instrumentals like “Ajhussi” and the Twin Peaks-referencing “Garmonbozia,” which fit squarely into his innovative back catalog. The EP’s house-influenced track, “Ingo Swann,” also reflects his ongoing work in cinematic anime scores.

This release follows a period of diverse activity for the producer since his 2019 album *Flamagra*, including scoring the anime *Yasuke*, releasing singles, and directing his first feature film, the sci-fi horror *Ash*.