Nikka Costa has been making music since the 80s. The daughter of music producer Don Costa, Costa enjoyed mainstream attention with her fifth studio album ‘Everybody Got Their Something’, which was released in 2001. Amazingly, since that album Costa has only released another three studio albums with her most recent, ‘Nikka & Strings: Underneath and Inbetween’, released in 2017. Now Costa is ready to unleash new music once again with her ninth studio album ‘Dirty Disco’.
A collection of uptempo funk songs, ‘Dirty Disco’ sees Costa getting back to her roots. Opening with the title track, it’s clear that you’re in for a ‘leave your cares at the door’ experience that allows you to put your problems to one side for a while and immerse yourself in the addictive soundscape Costa has created. Crunching synths combine with Costa’s distinctive gritty voice for a rush of pure dancefloor hedonism. Thankfully, it’s not a one off and the whole album pulsates along with hope, optimism and irresistible energy.
Ahead of the album’s release fans have heard the title track, the joyful exploration of love in all its forms on ‘It’s Just Love’ and the more recent throwback funk of ‘Keep It High’. Those three songs give a really great insight into the record and they set the tone well. If you like those three songs, you’ll love the rest of the record. Keeping the tempo energetic, “Dance ‘N Forget” is a call to head to the dancefloor and forget your troubles. Costa’s vocals are euphoric and the 70s influenced instrumentation is electric.
Elsewhere on the record Costa adds a thumping beat into the mix for the lively ‘Glitter In My Tears’, she explores her higher vocal range on the trippy ‘All That I R’, and she revisits the rockier side to her musical leanings on the standout track ‘Satellite Girl’. The moment I keep returning to over and over again is ‘Unsubscribe’. Costa sings about eliminating those things in life that take up previous time and don’t serve you. It’s an important message, especially in a post-pandemic world, to focus your energy where it’s going to benefit you best and not waste it with people or things that don’t deserve it. The song is funky, catchy and one hell of an earworm.
The album comes to a close with the mid-tempo vibe ‘Slow Emotion’ and the 8-minute disco romp ‘Connectivity’. Those two songs bring ‘Dirty Disco’ to a satisfying finish and the minute the last note of ‘Connectivity’ plays, you’ll be hitting the replay button.
‘Dirty Disco’ is an album that demands you turn the volume loud. This isn’t an album you want on in the background, it’s a collection that deserves your full attention. You can shake your booty to it, you can lost in the feel-good vibes and most importantly, just have a good time with it. Costa is an artist that never disappoints, and she’s long overdue the credit she deserves, and with ‘Dirty Disco’ she’s come back to music swinging. Album of the year contender, for sure.
Track list: 1. Dirty Disco 2. It’s Just Love 3. Keep It High 4. Dance ‘n Forget 5. Glitter in My Tears 6. Satellite Girl 7. All That I R 8. Unsubscribe 9. Slow Emotion 10. Connectivity Record label: Go Funk Yourself, Inc / Kartel Recordings Release date: 16th August 2024 Buy ‘Dirty Disco’ now
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