After taking time to focus on songwriting and collaborating during the pandemic, Findlay returns with her most playful and carefree project yet—Stay Kinky. Known for her post-punk edge and gritty live performances, the British singer-songwriter shifts gears on this EP, leaning into a more carefree, nostalgic sound that channels the spirit of late '60s and early '70s British and American pop. With fearless lyrics and a newfound sense of joy, Stay Kinky marks a fresh chapter in Findlay’s musical journey.
The EP is a stark departure from the heavier, introspective work of her previous album. Findlay herself describes this as her “most unserious body of work,” and the playful energy in these tracks is palpable. Written mostly between the English countryside and Los Angeles, the songs exude a sense of freedom and fun, drawing inspiration from her surroundings and collaborations. It’s an album full of optimism, but with a deep underlying sense of personal growth and reflection. Findlay says the songs were written during summer, and the vibrant energy of tracks like Fishbowl and I Always Get What I Want gives us a taste of sunlight in the final days of winter.
The sound is bold and colourful, with influences of psychedelic pop and classic rock seeping through each track—Juicy Fruit featuring The Last Shadow Puppets’s Miles Kane is a song that could easily be a hit of the last century. The EP’s infectious hooks and catchy melodies create a carefree vibe, but Findlay’s raw lyricism remains front and centre. Songs like Stay Kinky or It’s A Pleasure showcase her ability to blend cheeky, confident lyrics with irresistibly catchy rhythms while also revealing the depth of her emotional experience.
As an artist who has toured with the likes of The Killers and Jake Bugg, Findlay has always had an ear for a good tune. With Stay Kinky, she continues to prove that her songwriting skills and distinctive voice are as impactful as ever, while embracing a lighter, more joyful side of herself. This EP is a delightful return to form that perfectly balances fun and substance, and it’s sure to resonate with fans of her earlier work while attracting new listeners to her evolving sound.
