Opus Kink — ’Til The Stream Runs Dry — EP Review
Alternative | Rock | Post-Punk
Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Music
It’s always a refreshing prospect to review a musical project from a local upcomer, as opposed to the typical artists with big cult following (or even widespread followings, for that matter. Given the nature of this musical year as well, it is refreshing to review an EP for once. Luckily for myself, I get to review a project that encapsulates both qualities, from a band that I have had an interesting history with.
Opus Kink is a band that I had heard by name, as many of its members originated in a band known as The Ferns. At this time, I was lucky enough to take part in filming a music video for The Ferns, under the guidance and assistance of Tim Pope (a music video director renowned for his work with The Cure in particular, and father to one of the bands members).
What initially dissuaded me from listening to Opus Kink at first, was the idea that they would sound similar to The Ferns, given how many of its members contribute to this new one. And despite the Britpop sound of The Ferns being enjoyable to a degree, its appeal was admittedly not a lasting one for someone like myself.
But oddly enough, in a weird twist of fate, one of my best friends started getting into the sound of Opus Kink. And given their music taste (from what I know), they definitely aren’t the biggest Britpop fan. That being said, there was surely something deeper lying beneath the surface musically.
And indeed it was; I was surprised to find a completely different sound coming from Opus Kink, that leaned more towards late 70’s post punk, and struck more similarities to bands like The Clash, The Jam, or Madness, albeit with a modern twist to set itself apart.
I was first presented to this sound through the band’s single “St. Paul of the Tarantulas”; a truly brilliant track. However, I only realised later on that it was part of the band’s debut EP, titled ’Til The Stream Runs Dry.
The EP as a whole stylistically follows suit to the aforementioned single completely. The overall atmosphere of the project carrying a very gritty, sleasey, and sinister undertone, making for a near perfect project atmospherically to listen to with the approaching Autumn.
With the use of guitars, drums, synth notes, and even brass instruments, ’Til The Stream Runs Dry champions a very rich sound, mad possible by the bands six talented members. And with 7 tracks, and a runtime of almost 25 minutes, this project is very generous as far as EPs go, meaning that there is plenty of this awesome sound to dig into.
What really sets this EP apart though (which stands as something that I really respect), is the unique retro appeal that ’Til The Stream Runs Dry has. I have honestly not heard such justice being done to a 70’s aesthetic since the likes of Gotye and “Somebody That I Used To Know”. Many artists have tried to replicate a retro sound; and for the majority, it was unfortunately to their detriment. However, Opus Kink create their aesthetic effortlessly. Their reward is an EP that is unlike any other released this year, and an easy contender for EP of the year.
If your elders are still complaining about there being “no good music nowadays”, show them this EP.
Favourite Tracks: I Love You Baby | St. Paul of the Tarantulas | The Unrepentant Soldier
Nice Swan Recordings
Final Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
