EP Review: Nix and Pat Psyfa ‘Venture Capital’

Back in February, Canberra hip-hop duo Nix and Pat Psyfa dropped No Contest, letting everyone know they were a force to be reckoned with. Now just three weeks later they’ve released their six-track debut EP ‘Venture Capital’, and for the most part it doesn’t disappoint.

The opening track, the aforementioned No Contest, and Mind Over Everything, which rounds out the project are the real highlights. Sydney-based producer PR provides lush instrumentals and the duo have enough space to really showcase their lyrical ability. No Contest is particularly fun as the pair bounce off one another and Deejay Element’s cuts provide a great 90s throwback feel.

“Olivier’s stunning vocals, verses from Nix and Pat as well as Oddisee, perfectly complement each other, and come together to form a track which begs to played on the radio.”

‘Venture Capital’ also comes with its fair share of bangers. Basics, with its driving beat, sees the duo bring more confidence and charisma with a little help from California rapper Fashawn. Difference (in love), on the other hand, brings a different energy. With Olivier Daysoul providing the hook, this track has a more laid-back soulful RnB vibe. But all the elements, Olivier’s stunning vocals, verses from Nix and Pat as well as Oddisee, perfectly complement each other, and come together to form a track which begs to played on the radio.

Unfortunately, the other attempt at an RnB crossover track, I Remember You, doesn’t quite stack up. Despite a beautiful vocal contribution from Nicola Maree, it’s hard to escape the feeling that this is all a little too familiar and even formulaic. They duo tries very hard to tap into Gen Y’s collective 90s nostalgia and it all sounds very laboured. When put in the context of the whole project, the recycled references become very blatant and can be quite jarring for the listener.

However, ‘Venture Capital’ is a commendable first effort and really enjoyable record. Ultimately, it shows that Nix and Pat have a lot of potential and at just 25 minutes in length this is only a taste of bigger and better things to come.