Looking back a few years (sadly more than I would care for) and considering what 'girl talk' was, I remember excitable teenagers huddling around the lunch table, or laying around the living room with a movie on, talking boys, boobs and a never ending string of gossip. But, Kate Nash's third album doesn't focus specifically on that particular niche of girl talk, rather blending it amidst the current feminism wave, focussing mostly on female-empowerment.
And, it proves a welcome return. I admit, Kate Nash and her bouncingly punctuated tones hadn't just slipped under the radar, but fell off of it entirely, but this is a brand of music that makes me want to delve a little deeper into her discography. Where casual listeners may be more familiar with that quirk to her vocals and sweet catchiness of her biggest hits, they will now be met with a much fiercer alternative.
The epitome of this Riot Grrrl, punkier, spunkier alternative proves to be 'Sister'; down and dirtier than most of her creations, this has the drawls of Hole's Courtney Love, a more innocent version Katie Jane Garside's vocal squeak and seems to channel Kathleen Hanna's style of aggression. Yet, she retains that unmistakable pronunciation unique to her own style. And these influences rear their head a lot throughout, as Kate explores more wild and varying vocal capabilities and styles.
'All Talk' is another step into this fearless new territory, with a brooding 90s grunge feel underpinning her drawn out vocals. And the song itself is pretty darned good, but here comes one of the issues that will likely cause the greatest clash of criticism. “You have a problem with me ‘cause I'm a girl, I'm a feminist and if that offends you then fuck you," she blares on this track. And it's this almost Tumblr-feminist attitude that will grind a few gears, the approach of "I'm a girl, so you hate me!", when it's a two way street - the assumption being that you are male, therefore you hate feminists?
It's too loaded an issue to give justice to in a review, but it does seem a very Tumblr-femi attitude: assume, accuse, get defensive, fuck you! Many of the lyrics seem to follow suit, explaining that sexism exists whether or not you believe it and countering it with this 21st century blogger attitude. It's more the kind of lyrics the first wave of feminist punk bands could get away with, but decades in you should push for something a little more creative.
But despite the multitude of alternative influences on her musical styles, she hasn't lost her pronounced quirk entirely. The likes of 'Fri-end' retain more of the cutesy elements of her sound, with a sixties vibe proving unavoidable, leaning towards Chantal Claret's latest direction on 'The One, The Only...'. Bass plays a more prominent role, bringing a new element that drives tracks like 'Sweetheart', despite its airy quality. 'Oh My God' follows the same pace-setting structure with the bassy undertone as a sweeter guitar overlays.
And, truthfully, it's enjoyable as a whole package. When you start to nitpick it can be a little preachy, a little straight forward in tackling the imbalance of gender in society. It's enjoyable when music has a message, and if this is the direction she takes in future then I really do look forward to where she takes it because this is refreshingly honest, and an enjoyable musical turn. Perhaps, though, she could find a new, more creative way of phrasing her message.
'Girl Talk' is available now. Kate Nash tours the UK in April.
Fri April 5th 2013 - Arts Centre, Norwich
Sat April 6th 2013 - Nottingham Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
Mon April 8th 2013 - Leadmill, Sheffield
Tue April 9th 2013 - 53 Degrees, Preston
Wed April 10th 2013 - Warehouse 34, Newcastle
Fri April 12th 2013 - The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen
Sat April 13th 2013 - The Ironworks, Inverness
Sun April 14th 2013 - Oran Mor, Glasgow
Tue April 16th 2013 - Empire, Middlesbrough, Middlesbrough
Wed April 17th 2013 - York Fibbers, York
Thu April 18th 2013 - Fruit, Hull
Sat April 20th 2013 - Gorilla, Manchester
Sun April 21st 2013 - The Masque, Liverpool
Mon April 22nd 2013 - The Cockpit, Leeds
Wed April 24th 2013 - The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent
Thu April 25th 2013 - The Fleece, Bristol
Fri April 26th 2013 - The Queens Hall, Dyfed
Sat April 27th 2013 - Gloucester Guildhall, Gloucester
Mon April 29th 2013 - White Rabbit, Plymouth
Tue April 30th 2013 - Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth
Wed May 1st 2013 - 100 Club, London
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And, it proves a welcome return. I admit, Kate Nash and her bouncingly punctuated tones hadn't just slipped under the radar, but fell off of it entirely, but this is a brand of music that makes me want to delve a little deeper into her discography. Where casual listeners may be more familiar with that quirk to her vocals and sweet catchiness of her biggest hits, they will now be met with a much fiercer alternative. 
