The Mission Creek audience was treated to a preview of a selection of Flux4D’s songs, with “How Long,” the EP’s second track, sounding remarkably rich on the Riverside Theatre stage. These fresh songs were cut with older tracks such as Gimme Life from the duo’s 2022 EP Fruit to the Knife, and Superposition which is technically a Jim Swim solo track with an Alyx Rush feature. “That’s one of our favorites,” they reflect after finishing “Superposition.” Which is a sentiment I certainly share. 

All That, taken from Sun Centauri’s 2023 EP After the Last Time, often requires crowd participation, and Mission Creek was no different. “Give me all that,” sings Alyx Rush, “Do something crazy. Who cares if they see? Who cares?” On cue the crowd responds with “Fuck it up!” Towards the end of the show the duo drop Two Shots, their first single as Sun Centauri and an absolute bop at that. It crowned a triumphant night for the local artists, who are sure to make a wave beyond the state—perhaps beyond this world—in the coming months. A quick shout out to the Mission Creek team for booking Dawn Richard + Spencer Zahn straight after Sun Centauri at Riverside Theatre, as their soul-baring experiential project was a truly incredible follow up. 

I was absolutely delighted that Alyx Rush and Jim Swim joined my radio show, Lonely Cloud FM, live in the KRUI studio shortly after Mission Creek to discuss their music, influences, and world building aesthetic. It was such a joy to chat about their collaborative process and hear those fun stories that only emerge in person. For instance, I now know that their sun-kissed cover art for Two Shots was taken not in Hawaii but, in fact, at the Coralville Community Aquatic Center. Go figure! The playlist they curated was also full of bangers; if you missed the show, check it out here. 

Their KRUI appearance came to fruitition after I wore my brand new Sun Centauri tee—purchased at the Mission Creek show—to a Ragers for Charity event which Jim Swim was playing at. He was delighted to see the shirt, I was delighted to chat, and we spent the night dancing away to Rihanna. The rest, as they say, is history. 

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After a minute or two of quiet instrumentals, Alyx picked up the mic. He held the microphone a short distance away from his face, but his voice carried easily and filled the Englert with a rich, full sound.

It’s hard to describe just how good Alyx is at singing. It seems effortless to him, taking on various vocal runs and belting out his lyrics. He immediately captured the audience’s attention and soon everyone was swaying and nodding to the rhythm.

After the first song, Alyx stood up and introduced himself, thanking the crowd for coming. “I was really expecting like five people to show up, including my mom… hi Mom,” Alyx said, sheepishly.

After this short talk with the audience, he began his song “Runaway,” one of his few tracks available on Spotify. In addition to Alyx’s lovely vocals, “Runaway” featured an impressive guitar solo.

“Runaway” was followed by a spoken interlude that sounded like something you might hear on SZA’s Ctrl. This eventually transitioned into “Body Rock,” their latest single.

After “Body Rock,” Alyx performed a cover of Rihanna’s “Stay,” in which he invited the crowd to sing along. He also brought on special guest Jim Swim to rap a verse on a new song called “Trouble.” Alyx then announced that he and Jim Swim were working on a four-song EP together, aiming for a summer release.

He closed his set by performing “Gimme Life” from his upcoming EP. It featured strong drumbeats and a slightly more upbeat melody than the earlier songs, like something that might be played at a relaxed house party. Alyx’s show ended with standing applause from an impressed crowd. After a stressful week and a hectic day, it was a great way to spend a Thursday evening.

It wasn’t until after the show, though, that I witnessed one of the most striking qualities about Alyx Rush. While waiting for the next artist, Tennyson, to take the stage, Alyx came up to two audience members in the row behind me and thanked them for their energy during his show. He said that seeing them dancing in their seats helped him to be less nervous during his set. The audience members were flattered, and they giggled in delight as the singer walked away.

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He cites Frank Ocean as one of his musical influences, and that is most evident on his latest single Body Rock, a romantic R&B ballad. His 2018 debut single Minutes (Rewind), on the other hand, is an upbeat dance song that reminds me of the pop songs I heard on the radio in the early 2000s.

CNTRL is a passionate alternative pop track that features a rap verse from A. Barb. It’s his most intense song, with Alyx singing about letting his lover take control of him. Runaway once again proves his musical contrast by making things soft again. An echoey guitar riff pleasantly compliments his rich voice.

Alyx’s voice is the highlight of all these songs. His melodies effortlessly combine emotion, technique, and power. When he does allow some autotuned distortion, you can tell it’s for stylistic purposes and not a tool that he relies on.

Alyx’s versatility proves that while he may have been inspired by established R&B/pop artists, he is successfully creating art that is uniquely his own. He started his musical journey at 15 years old, teaching himself how to play guitar and then eventually began writing his own songs.

Performing at Mission Creek and booked for Des Moines’ 80/35 festival this summer, Alyx is a rising star to watch. If you like discovering artists before they get big, make sure to check out Alyx’s show at the Englert Theatre on April 7, at 6:30 p.m.

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