EP Review: PINKNOISE // 'HUMAN = KIND'

Kacey Foxx is something of a viral vocal powerhouse, having co-fronted NVRLESS until last year. In the meantime, they have lived up to their nickname of “Theyley Williams,” showing off their insane range on both covers and original music alike, culminating in their solo project PINKNOISE and their debut EP HUMAN = KIND. Named for Foxx's signature pink hair, the project is just what the heavy music world needs in these times: a powerful voice giving non-binary representation and indiscriminate rage. First is “Never Last,” a play on words referencing Foxx's former band, concerning itself with one-sided relationships and gaslighting. A particularly poignant line comes in the pre-breakdown callout: “How could you light yourself on fire / Then blame me for the way you got burned?” The highlight here, as is the case for the whole project, is Foxx's range, with their screams and their belts both being treats to hear again. “Why Are We Calling It Love?” gets points for the swing that the drums have, providing a little something different in a genre that can get a bit samey at times. Rather than go full djent or four-on-the-floor, they've chosen a secret third option here, and it works to help this song stand out. Stylistically, “Landmine” might be the most streamlined, Octanecore song on the EP, or at least it seems that way at first. Lyrically, it's relatable, dealing in queer rage and the perceived (read: very real) need for LGBTQ+ people to walk on eggshells in the name of keeping the peace, and in that spirit, something easily digestible makes sense. The back half of the song sees Foxx's vocals soar as they are wont to do, while the instrumentation goes fully out to lunch with blast beats, a half-time section followed by double-time, and just generally going off the rails in the best ways. It's clear that Foxx understands some of the tropes that modern heavy music has, and does their best to subvert them without going too far back out the other side. Ending the EP is “Bittersweet,” which starts off like a pop song before the band kicks in for the chorus. This is the song that has gone particularly viral due to its chorus, and one listen will give all of the explanation that one needs. It is one of glowing up after a split, taking the good with the bad and wanting more effort out of one's own relationships. It's a hell of an ending for the EP, beginning and ending on the feelings of breaking away and doing one's own thing. PINKNOISE has a second EP coming in April, and given what we've heard of that, it will be a much darker, meaner record. That said, there's plenty of pissed-off energy here on HUMAN = KIND, and at just four songs totalling just under twelve minutes, there's plenty that remains to be said moving forward. Given how well-crafted this first effort is, the decision to pick up FLESH AND BONE in April should be an easy yes. HUMAN = KIND is available now via Nettwerk.