Purient is Kate Durman from Naarm (the traditional name for Melbourne, Australia, TIL), but her new music often sounds like it’s coming from a gritty club in a threatening alleyway. Clipped vocal samples, peculiar drum loops and deep basslines combine to build a sound that’s hypnotic and memorable on her latest EP MWAH.
It fits into the same category that recent blog faves NEW YORK and Kassie Krut inhabit. MWAH is full of catchy, slightly gritty, and highly addictive stuff.
It’s a sound she’s been developing since 2016. Her debut EP Memories came out in 2021 and the more melancholic and downtempo three-song single Wbwu from 2022 are a little more conventional than MWAH, but they scratch the same itch.
MWAH has a much more adventurous, playful and forward-looking sound that feels like Durman has found her stride. It’s only 5 tracks, but I couldn’t stay away from them over the holidays. This DJ set from Triple J is full of artists to dig into if you like Purient’s style. She’s also part of Acopia, who is also new to me. (watch this space!)
Can’t wait to see what’s next.
Further reading
Purient’s Triple J DJ set
This interview in Mixmag gives some depth to the EP, and also talks about her other band, Acopia.
