Album Review: Abbe May - Kiss My Apocalypse

Abbe May takes risks, and ain't that a fucking refreshing thing in the world of popular music these days? There will be many who can't handle the overtly sexual May, who has shunned her guitar shredding bluesy ways to complete a 180 degree metamorphosis by way of programmed beats, pop synths and a late night R&B attitude, though the best quality of her fourth album Kiss My Apocalypse is her inability to play it safe.

Karmegeddon was a highlight single of 2012, an all-night, tequila-fuelled, trash-talk romp launching straight into a sprawling synth-backed chorus sporting the memorable line: “The water will support the whale”. The daggy, spelled-out refrain of T.R.O.U.B.L.E. came next as a single, though the strength of a high-pitched echoing hook destined to smash club floors was thankfully greater than any grievance caused by the sexy spelling bee. Third single Sex Tourette's truly spelled out the intention of the record (its moodily designed instrumental prelude Fuck/Love left no doubt), though it smacked of a certain tackiness also bestowed on the album's title and found in small doses throughout. Beyond the title of Tantric Romantic lies a deliciously languid Karmacoma vs Justify My Love-type rap where the vamp role is reserved for May's raw, fuzzed out guitar. Elsewhere Want Want Want's sparse arrangement again employs a largely discarded guitar and is a lovely exercise in subdued beat-based sensuality, whilst Naplam, Baby! goes about causing a melodic ruckus without drawing out the sleaze.

With production from Sam Ford (Pond), Abbe May has turned out a thought-provoking and hugely provocative album. The ballsy, I'll-do-what-I-want approach suits her.