There are a lot of noteworthy releases today. Future & Metro Boomin’s second album in a month, English Teacher‘s heavily-buzzed debut, Shabaka Hastings’ solo debut after the ending of Sons of Kemet, Girl in Red’s major-label jump, Nia Archives’ long-awaited first proper album, METZ’s latest speaker-demolisher… Whatever your queue looks like, however, ensure you make room for (and bump up a few places) the debut full-length of masked-up electro-raver Lynks.
We’ve posted about Lynks before, when they officially announced ABOMINATION with the playfully bouncy “CPR” back in January. That followed a trio of 2023 bangers – “NEW BOYFRIEND,” “SEX WITH A STRANGER,” and opener “USE IT OR LOSE IT” – which put them firmly on my personal “one to watch” radar, and the wait for ABOMINATION‘s release has been worth it. Self-written, self-produced, this is a fun-as-hell blast of queer electroclash that’s proudly horny, humorous, and all about the hip-shaking in sweaty after-hours club toilets with disarming moments of vulnerability hitherto unrevealed. On first listen of the non-singles, I’m most drawn to “ROOM 116” (an ode to one night stands), the title track (revelling in how queerness is seen as a sin in fundamentalist eyes), and the self-effacing stretched-out closer “FLASH IN THE PAN.” But the whole thing slaps like nobody’s business.
On the accompanying press release, Lynks explained the evolution of their process from EP to album:
“I think on the EPs, I was trying so hard to get anyone to pay attention. Early on I was like ‘well, every song needs to be a hilarious concept.’ Whereas this album, there’s quite a few of those, but there’s also songs that aren’t necessarily funny, or they’re exploring an idea rather than being really specific.”
You can stream and buy the album below on Bandcamp. Lynks also kicks off a headline UK tour tonight in Margate, the dates and tickets for which you can find here.
ABOMINATION is out now via Heavenly Recordings.
Words: Callie Petch
