Album Review

Ladyhawke – Back Of The Van

• 17th Apr 2008

“Back Of The Van” is the debut release from New Zealander Ladyhawke. Now based in London she has been in several bands before striking out on her own, something which she has done as much as possible, writing her own songs as well as playing the guitars, drums and synths of the record.

Ladyhawke is like a welcome blast from the past. Full of 80s kitsch from the start, it has the hard hitting chorus and softer verses so often heard back then. But before you start dreading the worst that the 80s had to offer, Pip Brown, Ladyhawke’s alter-ego, is a smart lady who has cleverly updated that sound with some very-now electropop.

The 80s theme has proven to be a clever marketing ploy though and photos will show her big hair and 80s fashion, and the music video even has the dodgy special effects of that era.

“Back Of The Van” is a promising start, and Ladyhawke already has famous fans such as Courtney Love and Peaches behind her ahead of her first full single release with “Paris Is Burning” in June and a debut album later in the year.