Having previously come across Patryk Kania‘s musical prowess with the mesmerizing track “Boating,” which we featured back in September as part of our Cougar Microbes Selects: Electronic series, the expectation for his next steps in our writers’ Whatsapp group was particularly high. Fortunately, the Belfast-based artist’s musical journey continues to pull in unexpected and thrilling places.
His latest EP showcases an artist on the rise. It begins with the mysterious allure of the title track “Gin Mill Club“. This instantly sets the mood, inviting listeners to lean in closer to hear every nuance of its hushed yet emotionally charged vocals. Mixing elements of indie and pop, the track’s restrained verses lead to a hypnotic chorus. I especially enjoy the subtle piano accents scattered throughout the track.
The next track “Girlfriend“, lets go of some of the tension previously on offer for something altogether looser and more sensual. Describing a mysterious figure wearing Western clothes and talking with an Eastern charm, the track plays on a neat interchange between sparse verses and an earworm of a chorus. Throughout an undulating vocal delivery acts as the foil for the track’s memorable groove-filled bass line.
“Boating,” the track that initially caught our attention, comes next possessing the enviable quality of lingering in your mind seemingly forever. Opening with reverberating notes and a rotating synth, the song has a hard-to-explain magnetic quality creating a desire to revisit its dark electro-pop charm as often as possible. Patryk‘s seductive vocals weave a tale of intimacy sought in unconventional spaces. The chorus, in particular, elevates the track making the storytelling even more relatable.
“Mallorca” and “Pearls” maintain the dreamy vocals and atmospheric quality established earlier. The former explores existential questions against the backdrop of seaside imagery adopting a suitably dreamy and tranquil soundscape to convey its emotions. The latter closes the album with poetic lyrics, dreamy acoustic guitars, and a sense of continuity, seamlessly building a connection with the narratives introduced throughout the previous tracks.
The release shines a light on the close collaboration with Florida-based producer Kevin Buster, showcasing a budding dynamic partnership that bodes well for the future. Buster‘s influence is felt in the infectious beats, pulsating basslines, and lush synths that permeate throughout the EP. The result is an intricate soundscape that both captivates and evolves, pushing the boundaries and avoiding the entirely obvious decisions.
“Gin Mill Club” is a testament to Patryk Kania‘s artistic ingenuity. The EP not only builds on the elements of “Boating” that I loved so much but also manages to unveil a broader sonic palette, showcasing Patryk‘s ability to craft immersive stories through his distinct voice and expertly produced soundscapes. Clocking in at just over 21 minutes, the “Gin Mill Club” EP meets and often surpasses expectations. I’m genuinely excited to find out what will come next!
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