Lynks is nothing if not a contradiction. Their music is hyper-personal but shrouded in anonymity. Yes, a quick Google search will find the real name of the self-described “masked drag monster” but to keep kayfabe there is a juxtaposition between the lyrics, which bring to mind the unapologetic confessions of Self Esteem (a comparison Lynks reacts positively to in a pre-gig chat) and their masked persona.
It is something that can be reflected on, perhaps even moreso considering their part-time job as a psychology tutor, but their performance delivers sheer entertainment that negates a need for any deep evaluation. Backed ably by a trio of backing dancers Lynks delivers hit after hit after hit in a scattergun manner with a confidence that belies the fact that they are on their first headline tour.
Lynks mentions that over lockdown that they have had a chance to figure out what they wanted their aesthetic to be and how they wanted their stage show to look from the eyes of the audience, and although nothing feels over-planned or over-produced they have definitely succeeded there. Nothing sums it up better than Lynks’ own term; “queer, sweaty chaos” – their performance is unashamedly queer and irresistibly chaotic.
There is a streak of colour and complete lack of pretension throughout that is at odds with many bands with whom Lynks will share festival billings and its something that it is entirely refreshing and entirely needed after the last couple of years. It is this absence of pretension that allows a cover of a contemporary track such as Wet Leg‘s ‘Chaise Longue”’ to fit into the set perfectly where in the hands of many others it would feel awkward and hackneyed.
The complete dearth of any artifice on their part is matched by the audience who dance and sing along at a venue where such abandon is rare. They do so not only for Lynks but also supports Jessica Winter and Mickey Callisto, who transfix the sadly sparse crowd with an ecstatic brand of sultry eighties-pop that makes like Future Islands performing the tracks of Lewis Baloue. Their track ‘Lost In Space’ is a highlight that matches up to Lynks’ ‘Silly Boy’ and ‘Str8 Acting’ and indicates they could easily attain the same profile as the headliner.
For now, Lynks is one of the most entertaining acts you can see for your money, whether you choose to evaluate or ignore any contradictions you can find.
