Put A Record On: Ladyhawke Soars Above The Rest

New Zealand's Ladyhawke is the latest popstrel in what has become a welcome onslaught of talented, chart-topping, impossibly cool musicians from Down Under. The blonde Kiwi's self-titled album draws heavily from her '80s childhood, evoking a youth spent listening to music and getting lost in dreamy reverie.



Born Philippa Brown, Ladyhawke's first band, Two Lane Blacktop, took her to Australia where she eventually became the lead singer of Sydney band Teenager. Brown later created the Ladyhawke persona to gain full creative control of her work, but, as a sufferer of Asperger's syndrome, the name also provides a shield against our fame-obsessed world.

Ladyhawke's biggest single to date, "Paris is Burning," was put together while taking a train from the French capital to London. Other tunes such as "Manipulating Women" and "My Delirium," draw more on rock and indie influences, but Ladyhawke maintains the '80s sound with strong synth melodies under her catchy choruses.

This electropop sound has led to comparisons with fellow blonde popstar Annie, but Ladyhawke goes far beyond shallow party stompers. Accompanied by a well-produced soundtrack that's more Cyndi Lauper than Kylie Minogue, this debut album leaves the distinct impression of a woman who has something to say.

Ladyhawke is out now. For more information, see www.myspace.com/ladyhawkerock

—David Hellqvist