Solo – Shallow: London-based alternative electronic artist Sink unveils the beguiling and beautiful new single ‘Shallow’ (April 25th), the latest single to be taken from the upcoming debut album Flaw State (May 9th).
Following a series of successful releases including singles on Olafur Arnalds’ record label OPIA Community, and Max Cooper’s label Mesh, the upcoming album is released ahead of live dates opening for acclaimed Erased Tapes artist Rival Consoles.
A masterful blend of electronic textures, Shallow navigates the delicate balance between the relentless pace of modern life and the serene allure of nature, portraying both as forms of ‘shallow’ engagement. The track encapsulates the struggle to find genuine rest amidst perpetual busyness. Its dreamlike, fable-like quality is underscored by nursery rhyme-esque lyrics that contrast with dynamic, emotive instrumentation, offering a contemplative yet invigorating journey toward life’s essential pursuits, like the simple act of seeking rest.
The new single ‘Shallow’ is a beautiful example of Sink’s work and ability as both a producer and a performer. Spacious, experimental sound design and inventive overlapping melodies make for a stunning, expansive soundscape centered around a sense of emotional sincerity.
Glitching synths, deep sub bass, choppy beats and intense distortions create a sense of freedom and beautifully organic imperfection despite the predominantly electronic, industrial nature of the sound palette. Topped with Sink’s melancholic falsetto lead vocal, the track balances dark and light, heavy and metallic with the floating and haunting elements.
Talking about the new single, Sink explains: “‘Shallow is about the struggle to seek balance, in a world of hyperboles and extremes”, says Sink. “It plays with the fragility of something pristine while allowing distortion and imperfection to seep through.” The track features additional engineering work by Nick Smart of Mammal Hands (Gondwana Records), and additional mixing work by Cristiano Nicolini.
Across the upcoming album, Flaw State, additional production comes from Rival Consoles, (a pioneering artist on the legendary Erased Tapes label), violin by classical and folk violinist Siobhán McCafferty and bass clarinet by experimental musician and composer Robert Murray Jamieson, as well as mixing contributions from Alex O’Donovan (Kelly Lee Owens), and Cristiano Nicolini, who worked with Janus Rasmussen (KIASMOS) and Alessandro Cortini (Nine Inch Nails).
Flaw State, set for release on May 9, is a deeply personal record, shaped by a two-year creative process in Sink’s South-East London studio. “It’s a weary journey towards acceptance, divided between horror and beauty, bringing flaws to the forefront of the process”, Sink explains. The album moves between alternative pop, impressionism and experimental electronica, forging a high-contrast sonic world that finds beauty in imperfection.
Sink’s momentum has been steadily growing, with his work receiving support from Worldwide FM, OpenLab Radio, and Voices Radio, as well as placement on Spotify’s Deep Listening playlist among others. Having linked up with Ólafur Arnalds’ OPIA Community, his previous compositions have featured in projects such as XBOX’s MotoGP25, HBO Max, and high-profile ad campaigns, including work for Adidas (Lionel Messi) and Respawn Entertainment. Sink is currently collaborating with Adam Janota Bzowski (Black Mirror, Saint Maud) on the Netflix feature film Night Always Comes, directed by Benjamin Cranon (Andor, The Crown, Sherlock).
Known for his immersive live performances, Sink will open for Rival Consoles this May at Belgrave Music Hall in Leeds and Button Factory in Dublin. The new album captures this immersive experience in all its spellbinding wonder.
Upcoming Live Dates:
30th April – Avalon Cafe, London
10th May – Belgrave Music Hall, Leeds – supporting Rival Consoles
11th May – Button Factory, Dublin – supporting Rival Consoles
More TBA in Scotland.
Solo – Shallow
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