Bastard Jargon is a provocative title that implies rage, a central tenet of the record. However, Nakhane’s rage isn’t manifested in spitting fire and fury; rather, it is an awakening, a feeling to be channelled, not rejected. Now residing in London, Bastard Jargon sees Nakhane blossoming and revelling in new experiences in an exuberant, upbeat expression of queer joy, turning anger into euphoria.
The South African singer-songwriter broke through the confines of their Christian upbringing on the fantastic You Will Not Die, a strikingly intimate, powerful, theatrical ode of self-acceptance. Nakhane harnessed their quasi-operatic voice like an emotional weapon, slicing through trauma. You Will Not Die garnered them a host of admirers, from Elton John to Madonna, and they employ another eighties legend on Bastard Jargon, funk-rocking legend Nile Rogers.
While You Will Not Die largely revolved around Nakhane’s spellbinding voice and the delicate notes of the piano, Bastard Jargon sees them dive headfirst towards the dancefloor. There is a distinct eighties flavour, with slick, glittering guitars courtesy of Rodgers and vibrant synths, but the pounding club beats and house elements give it a contemporary feel. It’s glamorous, full of pumping, catchy choruses, bursting with positive self-expression.
Rodgers’ subtly funky guitar licks introduce us to the fun on ‘The Caring’, providing a repetitive groove reminiscent of his work with Daft Punk. It feels like a breakout anthem as Nakhane repeatedly sings: “I’m so glad/I’m so glad/I’m so glad to be sharing”, showering you with joy. ‘Tell Me Your Politik’ sees Rodgers’s guitar work become more frantic, riding along with its stonking afrobeat while fellow South African Moonchild Sonelly brilliantly adds to the African flavour, singing partly in Xhosa. ‘Tell Me Your Politik’ is humorous but has a serious tone, balancing sexual desires with being true to yourself; it’s a song about regretting having sex with someone with differing political views.
Sex is a permeating theme of the record as Nakhane embraces London life, revelling in new experiences. ‘Hear Me Moan’ is a slow burner with its slow pounding beat and industrial-like percussion as Nakhane navigates the morning after, refreshingly embracing their sexual freedom. The reverbing electro-funk of the Perfume Genius ‘Do You Well’ sees them imploring somebody to “stay in the light” on its joyous disco chorus. It’s a high point of the record, with its bouncing bass and swirling vocal lines, a semi-seductive club anthem that serves as an ode to flourishing in the moment.
Elsewhere, they delve a little deeper into themselves, particularly on the upbeat sounds of ‘My Ma Was Good’, a song they described as “Toying with the villain in me”. But what’s telling is that they turn into a dance anthem, synths twisting and spiralling as they refuse to let the past control them: “Daddy, you know my leash/It’s in disrepair”. The slower swirl of ‘Hold Me Down’ is another track that could have slotted in on You Will Not Die as they show off their vulnerable falsetto. Nakhane has dealt with trauma beyond most others, but on ‘Standing In Our Way’, they repeat the mantra: “The problem is me”. It’s not an exercise in self-blame but an understanding that only they can set themselves free and move forward.
The gospel synth-pop of ‘You’ve Got Me Living Again’ perfectly summarises the album’s idealogy of embracing and enjoying life; even when the record dips into darker waters, it’s still brimming with danceable energy. Bastard Jargon casts off the weight of You Will Not Die, perhaps lacking its emotional pull, but in trading pain for joy, Nakhane creates something abundantly enjoyable, expressing their talents in a new dimension.