In collaboration with Canadian creative Loz, Wellington's favourite pop star Hybrid Rose is kicking off a new musical era with Planet Intercourse. It's an attention-demanding, explosive disco-pop track the likes of Lady Gaga and Dua Lipa would beg to have.
Hybrid Rose's warbling vocals open the track, over distorted synths and pulsing percussion. It quickly builds into a club-ready banger. Both nostalgic throwback sound effects and futuristic hyperpop twists feature throughout the song. The constantly inventive production is the song's greatest strength. It's never predictable, but still easily followable, simultaneously giving it a unique commercial and underground appeal.
Both the lyrics and production emphasise the titular outer space theme. This makes every element feel bright, bombastic and glittering. In particular, the interplay between Loz and Hybrid Rose adds a real sense of joy, with Loz's quirky, tongue-in-cheek lines playing off Hybrid Rose's more sincere and sultry attitude brilliantly.
Truly, there is no weak point in this fantastic release. Every detail shines and sparkles like the "never-ending galaxy" these talented artists sing for. Planet Intercourse, and by extension the Hybrid Rose discography, is simply a must-listen.
Citing a range of musical influences from Kevin Parker (Tame Impala) to Lady Gaga and Marina Diamandis, to Coldplay, Blenheim resident Rose Gray (aka Missrosevalentina) self-produces tunes that vary from chiptune ditty Video Games to the poppy, dance-y Pixel and distorted dubstep of Expectations.
Her influences go beyond music, however; the opening chords to Pixels came to her while watching an episode of Adventure Time for example. She also cites vintage design and graphics as an influence, especially in terms of the visuals she produces alongside her songs. While Gray doesn’t consider herself a political person, she says she’s very passionate about making change.
Her musical character is a little more involved however, and the music is occasionally politically inspired. Missrosevalentina, an electronic character. An infectious virus in your ears, an addiction you cannot quit.