RIYL: New Young Pony Club, CSS, Yelle, The Lovemakers

Tempting as it is to recommend every track on the album, I’ll refrain simply because I’d hate for anyone to make light of how surprising Ladyhawke (aka: Pip Brown’s) debut album is. Much like the Michelle Pfeiffer classic of the same name, Ladyhawke is very ’80s-inspired, filled with all kinds of Phil Collins-approved beats and Alan Parsons-esque synths. Hell, “Another Runaway” could be a Buggle’s hit from a previous era.

Even more impressive is the standalone New Zealander’s multi-instrumental talents; Brown is at the true centre of the album, writing, arranging, and performing all songs on four different instruments in a series of incredibly consistent tracks. To be honest, I’m surprised it’s a debut, since Ladyhawke’s sound strikes me as well beyond solid, into the territory of actually well-established.

My only complaint is the lack of experimentation. Each song is steadfast and within whatever expectations Brown sets up with the first four tracks, but for someone so obviously talented I hoped to have my mind blown by the end of the album. Still, even I cannot deny I was left speechless by this find, and being a first stab released only a few short months ago, there’s plenty of room for improvement. Two surprised but willing thumbs up.

Recommended Tracks:

“Magic,” “Manipulating Woman,” and “Paris Is Burning”