24 Nov 2024
Ladyhawke - Album Review: Wild Things
05 Jun 2016 // A review by camy3rs
Pip Brown is the kind of musical artist I forever wish that
the world had more of, - intuitive, intentional and innovative. Everytime a new
Ladyhawke album is released, the incremental advances towards an even more polished,
cohesive and genre defying sound are
obvious.
The opening single of her newest release Wild Things, Love Song has been on
radio rotation for a while and gives an almost self-deprecating, meta feel to
the well known cliches surrounding writing about love in general or even
the songwriter’s own love life
experiences. There’s a hesitancy lyrically that nuances what is an extremely
catchy, feel-good pop chorus.
The mixing is solid throughout the album, tight crisp drums
and raucous, crunchy synth layered almost delicately over some pieces - it
feels like the vocals are sitting a wee bit lower in the songs overall, but it
works so well – adds a closeness to the sound, whilst not hindering lyric
recognition. Listening throughout, there are reflective elements of a lot
different, current artists and genres (Dance hall style beats and soaring
Swedish pop hooks) but the album feels fresh and new.
The collection flows smoothly through all eleven songs - Golden Girl is my personal standout –
catchy and upbeat with a chorus that resorts back to a really great,
understated guitar riff and a refrain reminiscent of Swedish pop trio NO NO NO.
About Ladyhawke
She toured relentlessly, and picked up multiple NZ Music Awards, ARIAs, and nominations for Brit Awards, MTV Awards, and NME Awards. Pip’s songwriting connected because it managed to be both aspirational and relatable. She seemed effortlessly cool and distinctive but also just like a best mate, and while her music and art beautifully conjure a bold and fantastical world, they also capture her genuine, personable nature.
The darker, more guitar-based record Anxiety followed in 2012, before the bright and breezy pop of Wild Things arrived in 2016 – each album a kind of reaction to the one that came before.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Ladyhawke
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