$inik - Middle Class Burnout (EP)
When I first caught wind of $inik, it was on Pauliiito's project from earlier in the year "Love Lito" on the cut "Keep Me Recording." He brought an even more modern feel to come out of the 3rd Coast & it was at that moment that I knew that whatever Pauliiito does next would be completely different once again. Working with his own family in $inik, allowed him to explore this & tackle production in the process, he entirely produces the project, thus adding yet another feather in his cap. Offering the perfect base for his cousin to wail his inner demons out on, in which they both feed off each other throughout. Its alternative meets punk meets hip hop, brutally vulnerable & chaotically angsty.
Immediately felt as $inik awakes from a drunken stupor on "Half Past Dead," this is the hangover from the night before, a drug-induced one at that where "20 Buck$" finds he & Lito regretting everything associating themselves with those who've done wrong by them. Urging them that they'll never forget all they did for them & accept that this is who they are and want them to regret the relationship. "Unfamiliar Places" finds $inik reminiscing about how it was more simple back then, where he was actually happy, he's almost jealous of those who don't have to go through what he goes through, wanting to switch places for a day yet there's almost a level comfortability as his voice cracks through melody. "Love Machine" is the happiest cut yet still very melancholy, so it doesn't feel out of place with the others, telling the woman he's infatuated with to not have such a long face. He understands her & hopes they can find a sense of happiness & fulfillment, purpose in this godforsaken life together.
On "Bloody Nose White Mirrors" finds any hope of that being sucked away, vanishing into thin air you couldn't see anyway, regardless of the clouds of smoke he's trying to find his way out of, it's an unfortunate relapse. "3am" continues the drug binge for the remainder of the night into the morning for being sober is a foolish man's game & damn near impossible. At least life will make you feel like it is where "High Class Low Life" finds him fully embracing his Middle Class Burnout persona, but let's hope he's not forever trapped by his demons & continues fending them off. The song is one of those records that spoke to me on a personal level, struck every chord I inherited after developing an addiction of my own. Reminding me of the self-destructive path I can easily find myself back on if I'm not careful, it draws a fine line between who he is & who he wants to be & the two collide to make him who he is & I accept it fully, so will you