NASTIRIFF – new single and video from debut EP
- Posted on 28-03-2025
Nastiriff unleash their new single and music video, Conservative, from their debut EP, Malus.
Nastiriff is making their mark on rock ‘n roll with the release of their debut EP, Malus—a five-track surge of raw energy, sharp commentary, and an unapologetic attitude. Dropping alongside the EP is their latest single Conservative, a track that takes a direct jab at the self-righteous and the perpetually offended, complete with a bold new music video.
“Malus stems from deep, rotten roots. A collection of thoughts and experiences funneled into a comedically combative rock ‘n roll package, placing offense right in the face of where it belongs,” says the band.
The EP title, derived from the Latin word for “nasty,” is no coincidence. “The word ‘MAL’ is the foundation of many words across multiple languages, all carrying a bad or evil connotation—malfunction, malice, malevolent,” the band explains. “It resonates with Nastiriff because it opposes the high-and-mighty. And it does so intentionally.”
Each track on Malus cuts deep into societal contradictions. Suck It flips confidence against the overconfident, Bang rages at the angry, Conservative morally corrects the morally correct, Bed By Seven serves as a wake-up call to those stuck in cycles, and Vintage Calculators is a love song for the unlovable. “By trying to stand out, we all end up being the same,” Nastiriff declares. “This EP will hopefully make it clear that there is absolutely nothing special about us—or you. Importance is irrelevant, and the world would be a far better place if we could all behave like it.”
The band credits Ruan and the team at Sonic Nursery for helping them bring their vision to life. “They’re so detail-oriented and really locked into our energy and what we were after. Music is more than just audio and visuals—it’s about capturing feeling and emotion,” says Nastiriff. “When performing the music, you have to live that feeling at its fullest.”
The recording process reflected this ethos. Drums were isolated in a separate room while the rest of the band played together, ensuring that shared energy remained intact. “In the tracks, you can hear we were locked in. We ran each song five times before cleaning up by ‘punching in’ to redo small parts. Vocals took two days before being mixed and mastered.”
The new single Conservative is a fearless, satirical attack on the stubbornly self-righteous. “It’s a bit of a stab at the ou Afrikaanse oom in his kort broekie, with his sunburnt skin and opinions,” says the vocalist, Gavin Wilmers. “I grew up around these types of folks. They always know everything and are offended by absolutely everything that moves.”
The song zeroes in on the hypocrisy of extreme modesty, where some traditional Afrikaans couples spend years together without ever seeing each other naked, yet a mere glimpse of skin is instantly oversexualized. “These are the types of people that qualify for a tongue-lashing from Nastiriff. I’ll probably get bliksemed at some point, but someone needs to give ‘em the hell they inflict on women in particular.”
The accompanying music video presents a clash of stability and chaos. Set against tranquil environments with calm skies and neutral movements, Nastiriff’s performance disrupts the serenity—serving as the catalyst of instability in a stable world. “It’s almost like when someone says, ‘Come! You know where I live!’ And then you show up,” the band exclaims.
With a confrontational yet body-positive message, Conservative challenges outdated ideologies and dares listeners to reconsider their perspectives. Nastiriff isn’t just making music; they’re making a statement.
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