Kae Tempest wins big with ‘No Prizes’

Kae Tempest has been steadily releasing tracks for almost 10 years now. 

Their spoken word pieces usually end up taking a darker tone, undergoing a social commentary of sorts as their songs investigate society's comeuppance. 

Tempests' newest single, 'No Prizes', is being used to promote their upcoming album - 'The Line is a Curve', which is due for release on the 8th of April 2022.

Featuring Lianne La Havas, the track starts with a somber piano, before the drum machine rolls in with its smooth hip-hop beat. The result is this clean-sounding production that one has come to expect from Tempest. The track's expertly-crafted lyrics merge seamlessly with the rest of the production, allowing it all to come together as a cohesive listening experience.

The song details three separate individuals, as they elaborate on their means of steering through their own spiritual rat race, and how they navigate their everyday inconveniences and hazards. Tempest does a fantastic job of developing a storyline for each of these people and in less than three minutes, the listener can already relate and sympathise with the characters Kae has created.

Tempest has always been one of the biggest players in the spoken word scene, winning countless awards for their spoken word pieces and poems alike, but ‘No Prizes’ hits different. It’s an expertly-crafted piece with an easily relatable message. Tempest’s monotone spoken word pairs fantastically well with La Havas’ soft vocals, and this contrast helps to create the narrative of three separate individuals all attempting to climb.

Liam Russell

@LiamDRMedia

Image: ‘No Prizes’ Official Single Cover