NEW ARTIST FINDS: WHILK AND MISKY

I have always had a weird aversion to guitars and drum loops. Maybe it’s some trauma derived from the era of Crazy Town, maybe I don’t like the juxtaposition of organic and electronic, analog and digital. Whatever the reason, I thought Whilk and Misky would be a hard sell. Not the case, I’ve found after a few listens. Everything I’ve heard is clever and charming and satisfyingly catchy.  These dudes know how to bring just enough of both worlds into a track to make everything they do interesting and worthy of a critical listen.

"Clap Your Hands" is a perfect example of the band’s charm. It’s got an irresistible samba/bossa nova beat and rich, heartfelt vocals. The little vocal trumpeting is a nice touch too. It walks the line between outdoor café toe tapper and infectious dance track. It does a great job of fitting every mood or situation.

WHILK AND MISKY - CLAP YOUR HANDS

"Burn With Me" is a much different song aesthetically. The acoustic guitars are there as well as the clever instrumentation but the synth basslines and little vocal samples and effects build a grittier landscape, and I picture this song being featured in a modern Western movie. Listening to it, I feel the sun beating down on me, I taste the dust, and I feel the weight of a pistol around my waist.

WHILK AND MISKY - BURN WITH ME

Darklands takes us to a more chill place. It’s downtempo dance with less emphasis on guitars and a little more emphasis on moody sexuality. Beyond its sensuous themes and imagery, this track shows Whilk and Misky have several interesting dimensions beyond just guitars and drum machines.

WHILK AND MISKY - DARKLANDS

Whilk and Misky are a couple of dudes worth watching. They have the charm and musicality to go toe to toe with guys like Cage the Elephant and Black Keys in their respective arenas, but with added electronic muscle. Shout out to curator Golden Wolf for this awesome find.