Release date: 30/08/24
Reviewed by Adam Piotrowski
Pirate State is the first single by Leicestershire musician, songwriter, producer, and filmmaker Kath Moskvina. The artist’s debut mixes elements of electronic music, medieval-sounding melodies and dystopian themes. This broad range of influences and styles can sometimes feel jumbled, but when the rhythm is in full flow, there is a certain power to it which is enhanced by the vocal delivery with a unique and timeless style. As a standalone song, it is difficult to get a keen sense of the style of the artist, which seems like it would be better understood as part of a larger work.
The lyrics comment on the current state of the nation, although which nation that is, is never made clear – devastation, perfection which turns to crime, disorder and injustice leading the dance. Given the eclectic styles used, it could just as easily be commenting on somewhere in Europe, the US or really any other Western country. The vocal stylings are a haunting style which briefly bring Kate Bush to mind, with a chanty hook in the chorus, layered over electronic dance beats and ambient sounds and roaring electric guitar. The song doesn’t go on a second longer than it needs to, clocking in at a crisp 3 minutes 30 seconds.
There is something decidedly other to this new voice and song – maybe it is the Euro style beats, or the cadence of the vocals, but probably it is the afore-mentioned blend of different styles. In this way it is at once unsettling, a harrowing reminder of the gloom that we are surrounded by on a daily basis, as well as comforting. Comforting that someone who may be perceived as other is dealing with the same difficult reality that we are.
Kath is in the process of completing her self-recorded and produced solo album which is due out this Autumn. Look out for her live show as well, which she is looking to focus on more once the album is out.
Listen to Pirate State here.