Sometimes talent displayed for the bidding of others doesn’t translate when employed for personal benefit — the one who writes the song can’t always perform it in a way that connects with the audience. The music industry brims with these behind-the-scenes architects (Nashville wouldn’t exist without them) who gut out the work but get little of the glory.
Fink, the musical alter ego of one Fin Greenall, has excelled in all background realms, whether it be songwriter, producer, DJ or studio musician. The English singer has worked with John Legend, Amy Winehouse and Elbow, shoring up a reputation as a top-notch man behind the (wo)man. In the last few years he’s ventured out with albums of his own — experimental efforts which revealed an artist on the brink of goodness — but the release of Perfect Darkness has Fink emerging into a blast of fresh light. It’s impossible not to notice.
The 10-song album tinkers with folk and dub step, blues and electronic landscapes, all paced by Fink’s soulful voice and lyrical ingenuity. The songs simmer and seethe, as if they’re about to jump through the speakers.
“Fear Is Like Fire” follows this winding track, opening with a gentle guitar strum before delving into a driving chorus, only to slow back to a crawl. “Honesty” is brutal and lovely, pulsed by a repetitive bass line above a harsh line of lyrics. “It’s taken long enough to see your true colors,” Fink sings, “you got so many, baby, you’re like a fucking rainbow.” The song eventually erupts, as if unable to keep its emotions in check.
But it’s with “Save It For Somebody Else” where Fink reveals a firm grasp of astute songwriting. Reminiscent of Coldplay when it was a good band (before Gwyneth Paltrow ruined it), the song’s breezy melody is led by Fink’s engaging voice, and could easily be a breakout hit (or a linchpin on a movie soundtrack, preferably not one starring Gwyneth Paltrow).
There are no weak links here, and a producer of Fink’s stature would know if holes existed. Perfect Darkness is an effort of shining ability, and should propel Fink from the shadows and into the spotlight of his own doing.
