Poland-born, Belfast-based musician Patryk Kania has featured a few times before on this blog. Earlier in the year, Jane featured him as part of her Ireland roundup and even posed him some questions in an interview. Last month, it was my turn to run the rule over his music thanks to his track Boating. Now he’s back on the blog, this time with an EP. A genre-blurring five track collection, it’s called Gin Mill Club.

By Graeme Smith

This is Patryk’s second EP release after he announced himself to the UK scene in 2022 with his debut Rural Legends. This new EP is a departure from that work, taking us to the pulsating world of clubs and late night cruising. As a result, there’s a darkness to the EP’s five tracks.

It all starts with the title track. With disco elements it immediately makes you want to dance but there’s also an emotional edge, especially in Patryk’s delicate yet captivating vocals. He’s a singer who is able to convey a lot with very little, and you can’t help but just feel along with him. It’s a great start.

Girlfriend opens with a simple and hypnotic beat. There are elements of hip hop and RnB in its composition but genre-wise, it’s difficult to pigeonhole. Its chorus is pure dream pop bliss. The aforementioned Boating comes next, sitting at the heart of the EP. With its broodiness, its relentless beat, and its visceral lyrics, it’s a highlight.

Mallorca opens vulnerable and heart-breaking. A slow-building number, it steadily ratchets up the gears before arriving at a soaring crescendo. The EP then closes with Pearls. With it, Patryk takes the funk of the ’80s and brings it right up to date. through his fresh indie pop. A catchy and memorable chorus provides another highlight.

Gin Mill Club was written by Patrick and produced by long-time collaborator Kevin Buster. You can give it a listen below.