It's no secret that Natalia Kills has been around the block a fair few times before settling on her current pop persona. Under previous aliases Verbz, Verses and Verbalicious, the Bradford-born singer has experienced limited success; something she's insisted she's now learnt from. "Never, ever compromise," she told us - but what does that mean for her debut album Perfectionist ?

"I wrote the song about my days when I'd go down to Portobello and buy a whole outfit for 20 quid," Nat told us of trailer single 'Free' - a broke bitch anthem of thick basslines and luminous piano twinkles courtesy of Kanye West collaborator Jeff Bhasker. With its glossy production and US references ("stretch that dollar bill"), it's hard to believe she's talking about London's dreary market scene.

That said, the remainder of the record prospers on this streetwise partnership; a dark and electro-gothic soundscape flirts with Kills's metaphor-strewn lyrics and humorous quips. They're best showcased in 'Mirrors' and 'Zombie', a haunted-house oracular experience of mumbling bass and electronic organs as she ponders: "Do you want me for my body? Do you want me for my brain?"

Psycho-driven 'Acid Annie' rants about seeking revenge on a former lover, while 'Wonderland' is a fantasist's plea for the perfect ending, laced with theatrical choir sections and fairytale references. Each moment of pop surreality flourishes from Kills's own vision, then is finely tailored by some of the industry's most respected figures - the result as exciting as it is completely bonkers. She may claim to be completely broke, but she can sure drive a hard bargain.

Tracks to download: 'Free', 'Acid Annie', 'Zombie', 'Wonderland', 'Heaven'

If you like this, you'll like: Lady GaGa, Rihanna, Nicola Roberts

Watch the 'Free' music video below: