Kate Nash: 'Pumpkin Soup'

Sometimes an artist comes along with so much hype and bluster that you end up ignoring their genuine talent. A case in point: Kate Nash, who has continually aroused suspicion since she swerved into view with her post-Lily indie-mumblings this summer. 'Foundations' super-glued itself to radio playlists and her debut album 'Made Of Bricks' was rushed out to give greedy record execs a tidy bonus for their summer hols in Miami. It's the sort of thing that could lead us to brand a lesser artist nothing more than a passing fad. We like our stars to struggle a little bit and Nash just seemed too damn perfect.

But 'Pumpkin Soup' should over those who've previously steered clear of "that bird who sings a bit like Janet Street Porter". Rather than focusing on her clipped vocals and unusual lyrical patter, it's the brassy, bouncy tune that steals the show. It stutters into action with a flurry of trumpet parps, before wandering into a big pop chorus that's got more sugar than an entire log of Battenberg. Miss Nash then proceeds to get a million spotty teenage lads' knees wobbling with the vow: "I just want your kiss boy!" It might be as Christmas-sy as a Hawaiian shirt, but - come on - surely this a whole lot better than Rhydian doing a blinkin' Mariah Carey cover.

> Click here for our review of Kate Nash' Made of Bricks album