Heard It Here First

W IN K writes music by his own rule book in his incredible self-titled EP “WINK” off RL Grime‘s Sable Valley. Every track from this release is dripping with emotion and has some of the most compelling sound design heard this year. The dynamic fusion of genres and energy makes this a unique collection of music that’s rewarding to listen to over and over again.

“NUKID” gets things started with a haunting kalimba-like pluck. There is a great contrast between the intro and the bassline. The slower knocky trap tempo compliments the rapid bass notes while the dissonance from the intro carries through in the melody. On Twitter W IN K provided some insight on each song off of this EP, of this track he said “the main idea on this one was to combine a house flow on top of trap drums.”

“WAITING” continues a moody introspective vibe in the intro while relying on a simple yet catchy vocal hook. The bass line feels like its rolling over itself, it’s very deep and low with a ton of grit and distortion making it feel massive and in your face.

Pulling in some classic RnB style vocals, “OVER” brings a bit of a retro vibe before throwing down a vibrant and heavily saturated melodic bassline. The bridge feels almost pop-punk or metal inspired with a breakdown driven by a mean guitar riff. On Twitter W IN K said that this is the most experimental track on the record “with how the second “drop” is a hybrid of edm and acoustic.”

The second to last one off this EP, “UHD,” feels faster at first. W IN K explains that he and second-time collaborator nikko wanted to combine techno and trap elements. The stabby vox chops sit on top of a familiar rave stab and four-to-the-floor rhythm before giving way to huge 808s and a clubby trap beat. Some fresh bass noises put the cherry on top at the end of every other phrase. 

“CAN’T TAKE BACK” is similar to “WAITING” in utilizing a very catchy hook, but differs by being much more melodically motivated in the sound design. It has almost a spiritual quality to it with a lush choir supporting the intro, the more sparse drum programming gives space for the other layers to breathe making the progression feel big and moving. A piercing and emotional melody interplays between tight hand drum fills on the drop. Overall, this one feels like the most impassioned song in the collection, closing off this impressive EP cathartically. 

Anytime you see something new coming off RL Grime’s Sable Valley, you know it’s going to be special. W IN K’s music feels right at home here and this release certainly sets an impressive precedent for this young artist’s vision in the future.

Get any of these new W IN K tracks stuck in your head? Let us know which was your favorite down below in the comments!

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