Alex Kate “Sober” - Review
Deep in the night, when the city is asleep, the dizzy and warm feeling of wine stirs an unexpected sparks of romance. Between reality and dream, all senses and feelings are heightened. “Sober” takes you to that vague, sensuous state of love, fusing retro drum and 80s’ sensation into her luscious voice and alluring storytelling. Between night and light, joy and fear, the aroma of romance is in the air, bouncing against racing heartbeats. “Sober” is more than ever delicious.
The duality of fragility and intense desire dissolve into the airy, mood-filled soundscape. Alex Kate’s vocal beats between stirring drums. In the song, there’s a raw, impulsive desire that makes you blush, but there’s also that lip-biting bubbling of nervousness that comes with it. “I want to kiss you when I’m sober.” Kate actually said it to her friend in real life, and the song revolves around the line. There’s clarity in that dazzling state of feelings, and from a primal intent drifts into real romance. “I want to kiss you when I’m sober.”
Read our interview with Alex Kate below where we chat about the story behind “Sober.”
Punk Head: I love the poetic style and retro aesthetic in your songs. Where did you find the inspiration for “Sober?”
Alex Kate: “Sober” is a funny story. Lyrically it was written after a night out at some wine farms in south Africa where there was vibes going on with a friend of mine. But I knew from experience I needed to wait till the cold light of day. So I whispered in his ear, “I wanna kiss you when I’m sober.” The next day I wrote the song from start to finish in the car next to him. Sonically, I decided to move away from the Kate Bush, Fleetwood Mac sounds of my last EP and move more towards another influence of mine, Christine & The Queens. I love evolving and experimenting. Daniel Newcombe my producer, did a fabulous job with it.
PH: What do you like the best about this track?
Alex Kate: I love the sonic atmosphere, it feels like a late night early morning song, I also love the bridge, as it expresses the feelings I have often—“I've been here before.”
PH: What motivates you as an artist?
Alex Kate: I love writing and feel satisfaction just playing any new songs to one person. But since I have been gaining more of a following, I love meeting the different people who connect with my songs. I just had a gig in Norwich and loved meeting all these new people and hearing their stories and their dreams. I love encouraging people to go for it.
PH: Who are your biggest influences?
Alex Kate: Kate Bush, Fleetwood Mac, Christine & The Queens, 1975 and would love to write an album as good as Michael Kiwanuka.
PH: What would you like to say to your fans out there?
Alex Kate: I am so grateful for every one of you.
