it's Franky baby!

Better known as Young Franco, Sydney-based producer Joseph Da Rin de Barbera has been crafting ticklish, feel-good confection since he was a teen. Now edging into his thirties, de Barbera has lost none of his youthful party verve on this long-gestating debut album. While the exact stylistic cues might vary, these tunes lean into nostalgic touches and frisky basslines to create a breezy continuity despite the rotating cast of singers from around the world. Standouts include the Gorillaz-esque opener “Wake Up”, with its funky pulse and London vocalist Master Peace’s spontaneous talk-singing, and the clubby earworm “Stunt Like This”, featuring Nigerian rapper/singer Kah-Lo. At his best, de Barbera reframes familiar sounds from the past in a way that sounds all too fresh. Observe how faint strains of sax on “Sing It Back” echo the classically jazzy delivery of Los Angeles vocalist Dana Williams. The album is steeped in bright and summery vibes, with every collaborator game to make the most of these sonic postcards.