BAYNK – Someone’s EP
(Independent / The Label)
Reviewed by Dave Tucker.
From his own homemade creations politely placed on Soundcloud back in 2015 to the heavenly heights of house music heaven, 23 year old bedroom beatmaster Jock Nowell-Usticke, is fast engineering himself a global following. Fresh from a sold out epic night out at Rec, Josh (aka BAYNK), is cashing in on his undeniable talents, with a warm, smooth and highly addictive dose of electronic goodness.
Sweaty and discerning consumers of his debut chocolate dipped dancefloor tease ‘Sundae’, are sure to delight in this pre summer saucing. Baynk has a sound that crackles like a buoyant Burial Hyperdub b-side, whilst pulling back the day-club vibes of Booka Shade, all bright in punchy production and exotic vocal stabs. The title cut introduces a ready flowing mix of pre midnight energy, the sort of venue arrival anthem that beckons you inside for more. BAYNK’s understanding of full to overflowing niceness pours over into beautiful, lush soundscapes that drive his rounded pop/club tunes out of the night to poolside parties and beach misbehaviours.
My favourite track ‘What you Need’ featuring NZ native Nika, wells up in my heart with a seductive subtlety that calls you back from the brink of blurry bliss, the gentle smile of a friendly beat from the smoky side shades of the club. Tropical tastiness found me on “Find You’, a retro r’n’b re-rub with a jerky confidence that swiftly shuffles, raising the temperature before leaving enough space for cool contemplation. BAYNK, understands the depth and distinction between sample heavy gimmicks and careful vocal interaction with the beat. ‘Want 2’, swaggers with the heat of a Post Malone instrumental, all sparse placement of high hats and swaying rhythms cut up in the same hidden blunt.
With a succession of authentic live shows under his belt and the ultra-cool promise of a primo spot at Laneway Festival next year, BANYK is sure going everywhere at his own bass driven pace. The ‘Someone’ EP is so damn filling that it feels like a full album. Rewinding and rediscovering delicious depth, for me, even on my 5th listen, I was taken places that seemed familiar. His pop sensibilities and well mixed beat batter, sizzles in the pan, anthemic flapjacks that will flip you into yearning for more. With the everlasting gloom of oncoming springlike fronts, a miserable reality of kiwi life, put your bets on beats like these.
