Lyrics by Augustus Watkins Music by Garrett Neal Vocal Engineering by Carlos Bueno Mixed & Mastered by Garrett Neal
Photo by Tom’s 1 Hour Photo, Los Angeles
We are extremely excited to premier the newest video from electro sass artist Apology Kink. This project is the collaboration of Augustus Watkins and Garrett Neal. The song and video transport me back to a pure desire to be adored. Dancing free from insecurity to Yaz “Upstairs at Erics” with an innocent abandon. Leaning hard into the pop aspects of synthpop with a self-aware snark that boroughs into the ear to let the lyrics shine. Available on GIVE/TAKERecords where Augustus is part owner this single marks another high energy synth explosion.
Apology Kink exudes sultry, cheeky charm. The LA-based project turns out captivating dark synthpop where goth allure flirts with anthemic dance floor-ready production, as pop charm looks on in seductive approval. Dripping with vintage synth production and adorned with modern hooks, Apology Kink is the brainchild of musician Augustus Watkins, building on his pedigree as a singer-songwriter (Bijou Noir), producer (Tulip Tiger), and darkscene emissary (DEATHDANCE) while folding in shadowy theatricality and iconoclastic queerness.
In February 2024, Apology Kink debuted with a rendition of “West End Girls,” which Sounds and Shadows called a “glitchy synth sass take on the iconic Pet Shop Boys hit.” For his two first original songs, “Cult of Your Touch” and “Let Me Be Your Heartthrob,” Watkins has teamed up with frequent collaborator Garrett Neal (Usonia, Holidae, Netflix, HBO).
All songs written & performed by Benny Sweat except “Never Be You”, performed by Benny Sweat & Jerry Miller (guitar) & “Endlessly”, written by Dylan Thomas Lambert & Benny Sweat, performed by Benny Sweat & Nicklas Stenemo (guest vocals). Vocal Engineering, Mixing, Additional Production: DEATHDANCE. Mastering: Rob Robinson. Logo Design: Jim Marcus.
Sometimes I fall in love with an album because it is something really on the edge and sometimes because it feels familiar like an old friend you haven’t seen in several decades that showed up and filled you with feelings you had forgotten. The second was how it was for Sweat Boys. This is a beautiful synth driven welcoming EP full of tender hooks and very personal lyrics containing familiar themes. Relationships, longing, loss, acceptance. I kept coming back to one of the most important albums of my youth Yaz “Upstairs at Eric’s”. These songs are beautifully crafted and delivered with piercing emotion while the music is warm and comforting. Much of it is full of blood pumping dance beats and snapping snares.
Benny Sweat has a gorgeous voice that is clear and to the front. He doesn’t hide it behind a lot of effect and slush and the clarity of it really adds to the personal nature of the songs. For a 5 song EP it has a tremendous amount of range movement. You just don’t hear enough music in this genre in the modern era that takes the courageous stance of beautiful pop hooks without hiding behind layer after layer of production. It takes me back to sitting in a room with close friends and really sharing the feeling invoked by an album together. That stumbling youthful searching and awkward energy of finding a truth in each other. I found myself lost in nostalgia but at the same time enamored by the freshness of it because this just isn’t done anymore. I forgot how much I missed that feeling and that is what this album gives you.
Favorite tracks:
I Don’t Love you – Here is that beautiful ringing energy and clarity of Erasure and Yaz. It cooks at a breakneck medium pace but still makes Benny’s vocals the star of the track. We have all felt this moment of realization and it is an intense feeling but the simple beauty of the music keeps the heady concept so light and bright.
You’re Gone – This is a darker tone and beautifully transitioned. Giving it more of a early INXS or Pet Shop Boys feel. The isolated keyboard line here rings out so beautifully and really carries the melody. This is a dance around my living room in my underwear throwing my hands in the air and just feeling a moment.
Endlessly (featuring: Nicklas Stenemo of Kite) – What a gorgeous ballad breakdown that has a soulful Madonna/Cindi Lauper feel. The back and forth discussion like vocal lines are extremely powerful. “lying awake I can’t sleep but still I’m dreaming” It’s mesmerizing and so real. A glimpse into a personal discussion and a stirred emotion.
Overall this was a beautiful and touching album that leaves you feeling someone shared a piece of life with you. It has true blood and soul in it. Maybe dance music has forgotten how to infuse this kind of heart felt power but Sweat Boys are bring that back and I am here for this moment. Get this in your collection right away.
