Kate Nash’s new EP, Death Proof is released today, providing a tantalising glimpse at what to expect from her third album, Girl Talk when it launches early next year.
Picking up from the raw Riot Grrrl noise of June’s 'Underestimate the Girl', Death Proof is an audio homage to detuned DIY grunge legends like Sonic Youth. Whilst 'Underestimate the Girl' received a mixed reception, the new EP offers a more refined showcase of Nash’s new sound.
The title track is bass-led, with chiming guitars punctuating the verses before the scrappily sweet chorus kicks in, with Nash defiantly pointing out that: “I don’t have time to die”.
The cover of The Kinks ‘All the Day and All of the Night’ has Nash languidly slurring the lyrics over orchestral strings, before building to a heavy chorus reminiscent of acts like L7, Bikini Kill and Babes in Toyland.
There is also a return to the bouncy and upbeat pop for which Kate Nash became famous. ‘Fri-End?’ is a catchy little tune with a sing-along-chorus. Whilst the sound is new territory for Kate, her offbeat and unconventional lyrics are still at the heart of the EP.
In a chart dominated by auto-tuned electro-pop and twee cover versions, Kate Nash’s new sound is a blast of fresh air. The Riot Grrrl crushes may weigh a little heavy at times but Nash’s masterful lyrics and unique vocals make Death Proof a promising and original sign of what is to come from the UK's most unconventional singer-songwriter.
The Death Proof EP is available to download now and is free for those who pre-order Girl Talk via Pledge.