Philadelphia-based Josh Wink rose from the late '80s house-music scene first as a DJ, then as an acclaimed artist and producer. His signature sound had a spiritual quality characterized by flowing beats and acid-crazed tones. Yet Wink's latest offering, "HearHear," is best described as "electro-generica."
The lead-off track, "Back in tha' Day," is a clichéd ode to early '90s "old school" techno. Wink plows through as many contemporary styles (trip-hop, drum & bass, etc.) as possible, seemingly to prove his endless versatility. The predictable collaboration with Trent Reznor on "Black Bomb" is yet another example of uninspired crossover product.
There are splashes of creativity, but overall Wink should explore other styles only after fully securing his own.
