Leeds and London duo Kamikaze Girls have recently released their highly anticipated 5 track EP, Sad. After touring internationally in Europe and the States, our first thoughts were how accomplished Sad sounds in comparison to what an EP from any other emerging indie band would usually offer. The songs are immense: as though weighed down by thought and experience. Intense and dark, Kamikaze Girls aren’t for everyone, but are sure to strike a chord with any receptive fan.
Hexes opens the EP. Melodic and gritty, the drums build the song into a gloomy state of chaos. Singer Lucinda Livingstone’s hypnotic vocals are commanding and striking as she croons “psychosis, you’re messing with my head again.” They put just as much importance in the hazy, atmospheric nature of the song as they do the lyrics. With the blue and black EP artwork, it’s easy to imagine that you’re deep underwater when you’re listening to these songs. With its witchy title, Hexes feels like a call to arms, or the casting of a spell.
Stitches is up next. This second song retains the grungy feel already established by Hexes, but is generally more upbeat and of a pop sensibility. We love the strong harmony on the words “and you give me stitches when you’re around” in the chorus. I Hate Funerals has an amazing, goth-y intro that spirals downward it to a heavy verse that simply begs you to head bang along. The emotion and angst in Livingstone’s vocals is wonderful, especially when she screams “I hate everyone; you’re so full of it.”
Ladyfuzz is quite different in tone. Dark, tender, and just a tad eerie, this song jumps out at you; therefore making it the obvious single. We love the kooky, descending vocals in the opening line: “Ladyfuzz, you’re much too late.” Livingstone has a real talent for switching from breathless, silky smooth vocals to a screaming snarl. This, however, is done in a way that still keeps the song accessible. The chorus of “woahs” in the outro are reminiscent of a pop song.
Like the EP opener Hexes, Black Coffee is a whirlwind of chorus and distortion. The guitars and drums are precise and articulate and the vocals are full of contempt – if you’re hoping to find a quiet lull in this release, you won’t get it. The songs are consistently loud; an 18 minute wall of uninterrupted onslaught. Not only do Kamikaze Girls bring brutal fuzz to the UK indie scene, they manage to make it catchy too.
8/10
Standout Track: Stitches
For Fans Of: Creeper, Hole, L7
Written By: Kathryn Woods
