Ladyhawke from New Zealand has been a blog phenomenon for a while now. Good looking, streetwise and with eclectic and good taste, Pip Brown – her real name – has had all the digital exposure one can think of. That she also was involved in making one of the best songs of the year – PNAU’s fantastic Embrace, doesn’t do her any harm either.
Earlier this year she released the single Paris Is Burning, which was fine but more interesting in remixed form. For the full length debut Ladyhawke has a lot of credible names guest producing. Names such as Pascal Gabriel (Bomb The Bass, Kylie, New Order), Kid Gloves (also known as Freeform Five and Freelance Hellraiser), Paul Harris (Dirty Vegas), Greg Kurstin (Beck, Flaming Lips, Lily Allen, Red Hot Chili Peppers) plus one my favourites – Michael di Francesco from Australian Van She.
Pip wants to make music that makes people happy and nostalgic, we’re supposed to feel that we have heard the songs before even though we haven’t. A pinch of Joan Jett, a dash of Stevie Nicks, a little a bit a Nirvana, Hole, Van Halen all mixed with modern production. All a bit risky – it’s easy to become a dodgy carbon copy, and this I feel troubles Ladyhawke’s debut. The album is not faultless, a Red Hot Chili-connection is quickly apparent as the guitar hook in the third song, My Delerioum, has obviously been stolen from John Frusciante. Although the coming single Dusk Till Dawn is wonderful. And Ladyhawke seems a charming lady, which is enough for me. Promise.
SEE ALSO: Van She – V [PID], Robyn – Robyn [Konitchiwa], Pony Pony Run Run – Boy Girl Surrender [single]
