Bastard Jargon is Nakhane being their most unapologetic and assured
"Bastard Jargon"
Since the release of their impressive second album, You Will Not Die in 2018, South African born Nakhane has caught the attention of Elton, Madonna, duetted with Anohni, acted in numerous films, written several books, came out as non-binary and moved to London.
These experiences have helped them extricate themselves from the confines of strict a Christian upbringing and into embracing their queerness. This struggle was something which informed the songwriting on their previous album, while this time round we’re in the realms of hedonism, new experiences, and as they describe it, existential sex.
Bastard Jargon, a phrase they first came across in linguistics class is a South African term used when learning a new language, used here metaphorically to signify a new beginning, Nakhane was sad last time, but now they’re here to fuck.
A chance meeting with disco icon Nile Rodgers has resulted in several appearances by him on the album, as well as producing a number of tracks resulting in a stronger focus on electronic music, his unmistakable guitar plucking on the percussive Afrobeats of “The Caring” proving to be an assured, lusty opener.
Politics and the bedroom collide effectively on the furious electro-glam of “Tell Me Your Politik”, (“You can touch me if you want to, but first of all tell me your politik”), while lighter material like “The Conjecture”, and the Perfume Genius featuring “Do You Well” both show off their skill around pure-pop.
The highlights are the gospel-tinged “You’ve Got Me (Living Again)” a convincing take on updating the euphoric synth disco of Sylvester, and “My Ma Was Good”, is a purring reflective take on their upbringing to sad piano-led disco.
As a whole Bastard Jargon removes the mask of apprehension previously worn by them to reveal a more assured, unapologetic artist.
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