Stinkus‘ debut album, simply titled ‘23‘ marks a significant departure from the artist’s previous endeavors, offering a deeply personal and introspective exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery. As the brainchild of a musician with a successful track record in bands like WILD and girlhouse, as well as a prolific songwriter and producer for acts such as Smallpools, The Mowgli’s, and more, this recording represents a departure from collaborative efforts, with the artist embarking on a solo journey of creative expression.
The genesis of ‘23‘ is rooted in personal turmoil, emerging shortly after the artist’s breakup with their fiancée of seven years. In the wake of this profound emotional upheaval, Stinkus found solace and catharsis in music, channeling their pain, introspection, and newfound sense of self into a raw and unfiltered sonic experience. The result is an album that serves as a poignant soundtrack to the artist’s journey of healing and self-discovery, with themes ranging from the impact of abuse and mental health struggles to the pursuit of new and healthier relationships.
Sonically, ‘23‘ represents a departure from the polished and clean production often associated with his previous work. Eschewing digital plugins and embracing a more organic approach, the album exudes a raw and gritty energy that reflects the artist’s desire for authenticity and vulnerability. Much of the album was crafted through intimate sessions of spontaneous creation, with Stinkus describing the process as simply “smoking weed and pressing record.”
The album’s highlights are abundant, with tracks like ‘FOLLOW‘ serving up a heavy shoegaze-infused indie rock treat reminiscent of Have A Nice Life with a poppy twist. Meanwhile, ‘Not Like Dying‘ delivers a mesmerizing shoegaze climax, enveloping listeners in a swirling cascade of ethereal sound. As the album unfolds, tracks like ‘Good luck, good love‘ and ‘Rodeo Mary‘ showcase Stinkus’ divine and otherworldly melodic sensibilities, weaving intricate sonic tapestries that resonate deeply with the soul.
In essence, ‘23‘ is more than just an album; it’s a testament to the transformative power of music in times of emotional turmoil. Through its raw vulnerability and introspective lyricism, Stinkus 23 invites listeners on a poignant journey of self-reflection and healing, crafting an immersive sonic experience that lingers long after the final note fades.
Christos Doukakis