She’s abrupt. She’s bizarre. She’s fearless. She’s audacious and, depending on your personal takes of her views, possibly offensive. She’s also infuriatingly excellent. Peaches will come at you like a speeding train and once she hits you, there is no turning back.

Set to release her fifth studio album ‘I Feel Cream’ in early May throughout Europe and North America, it would be wise to expect the usual explicit lyrics and their over the top focus on sex amidst the raw electroclash vibes pumped out by Peaches, real name Merrill Nisker. Since 1995 she has been the dominant female in the dance punk genre, staying away from the mainstream region of the music scene; a move which has allowed Peaches to remain so open and candid about the issues she raises with her music.

No stranger to controversy, Peaches has always entertained the topic of gender identity on her records, and is loved by many for her no-nonsense approach to the subject. Her foul mouth is famous and her inability to conduct an interview without swearing, mixed with her provocative and confrontational ideas, has helped to create the image that is Peaches. On the cover of her third album in 2003, the now 40 year old artist wore a false beard, poking fun at the superficial world of celebrity which is filled with perfect bodies – both real and bought.

What many people don’t know is that Peaches is not just an entertainer, she is a serious artist. From the very beginning, Peaches has written, recorded and produced all of her own music. She has also collaborated with some of the best; Iggy Pop, Louie Austen, Marilyn Manson and Pink. The outspoken lady has also appeared on numerous soundtracks for various television shows and movies; the single ‘Boys Wanna Be Her’ could be heard on an episode of ‘Ugly Betty’, and the track ‘Operate’ was used in the film ‘Mean Girls’.

Having already achieved a high level of success with her rare, exceptional sound, Peaches has promised that ‘I Feel Cream’ will deliver a range of new and exciting tracks as well as the typically funny, explosive punk rock she is so well known for. There are a total of 12 singles on the forthcoming album, all expected to exceed the standards previously set by the Canadian musician. With production input from Digitalism, Soulwax and Drums of Death, it is likely that ‘I Feel Cream’ will do just that.

As a teaser for the new album, the songs ‘Billionaire’ and ‘Lose You’ are available on Peaches’ MySpace page. After hearing the two singles, it has to be said that ‘I Feel Cream’ will be very distinctly Peaches.

~Joanne O’Neill