Originally hitting our radar in March 2025, Kat Kikta is back with an unexpected cover of an ’80s classic.

By Graeme Smith

Feature photo by Tom Cheshire

Released in 1989 by the Fine Young Cannibals, She Drives Me Crazy is one of the most recognisable tracks of ’80s pop. Honestly, I’m not sure how it could be improved on, but Kat Kikta has taken it, subverted the gender, and made it her own with a completely fresh take on it.

Kikta’s version, He Drives Me Crazy, opens with a mystical, otherworldly feel and a percussion-driven intro. Her ghostly vocals float in, delivering image-laden lyrics. As the track progresses, a rhythmic groove kicks in. It proves utterly mesmerising and it’s only when we get to the chorus that the familiarity of the original comes in, such is the originality of this cover. A seductiveness dominates there. When the track reaches its climax, it becomes awash in different textures. You’ll be transported by it.

“I don’t know anyone who doesn’t really love this song,” Kikta says. “I’ve made this track because I love the original so much that I had to touch it and play with it and find more ways to fall in love with the song. I wanted to re-frame its surroundings and gift it additional life, in another world.”

Next week sees the release of the track’s video which you can pre-save here.

When Kat Kikta first came to my attention, I was so enchanted with her single, Cherry Trees, that I invited her onto our Going Underground podcast to chat more about it. Based in London, the Slovakian artist opened up about her love for Brian Eno, how she brings ‘sound healing’ into her music, and the many happy coincidences involved in pulling together her single and video.

While I loved her original work, I can’t help but feel this unique cover adds a little more flair to her sound. The combination of the familiar and unfamiliar about it is intoxicating, and I don’t think anyone could have revived She Drives Me Crazy like Kikta has.

If you’re a fan of the Fine Young Cannibal original, or of Avant Garde artists like Bjork, then He Drives Me Crazy is simply a must listen.

You can keep up with Kat Kikta via her website, and on Facebook, X, Spotify, Soundcloud, Bandcamp, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Songkick.

He Drives Me Crazy is out now and you can give it a listen below.