The third single from Kamikaze (aka Jessi and Flo) is a sonic time warp of a song that echoes Gin Blossoms, R.E.M., and the Byrds, among others, not to mention the fabled Rain Parade and their Paisley Underground pals. The air shimmers, reflective surfaces glimmer soft hues of purple, and deafening scents of incense and peppermint all but overwhelm the senses. There’s a psychedelic element to it alongside a pungent punk vibe, in other words, with lead singer Jessi projecting the steely reserve of someone trying to suppress her emotions but not quite succeeding—think Patty Donahue of the Waitresses, just sans the sarcasm.
The minimalistic lyrics present poetic images that capture the struggle many face—i.e., of feeling disconnected in a synaptic and tactile world. The epiphany comes with the chorus: “I don’t care what you mean/You don’t hurt what you don’t love.” Unlike so many singles in the TikTok age, the song stretches beyond the typical 2 1/2-minute length to over four, yet still feels short. (A good thing, I hasten to add). It bodes well for the duo’s full-length debut, which is slated for release next year.
The Old Grey Cat 