Maybe it is the sun-ripening quality of the Californian coast, but Los Angeles is currently birthing an amazing array of alternative bands. Take the Illuminati Hotties for example; formed in 2017, they have been colouring our world with vibrant hues while (in true punk style) releasing a string of tantalising singles in their wake. But the band know how to write a decent album too, and long player number three, the aptly-titled Power, comes heavily laden with (lucky) thirteen tracks that will make the perfect companions for late summer (beyond).
The Illuminati Hotties was the brainchild of award-winning producer Sarah Tudzin, so to say she knows a thing or two about music would be something of an understatement. And the first thing to note about Power and opening track ‘Can’t Be Still’ is the album’s sound. It rocks along with a distinctly ‘90s vibe (which is undeniably a good thing) and despite a rather fragile aesthetic still manages to radiate golden, syrupy sweet rays of sunshine. There’s no questioning the song-smithery on display here and cuts such as ‘Throw (Life Raft)’ come as certified earworm material. Just one listen to any of these songs is enough for them to become embedded on your memory bank and no more so than ‘Sleeping In’, a song so addictive that it should really come with some kind of health warning.
Featuring a guest spot from UK-based artist Cavetown, ‘Didn’t’ is spiky, angular and strangely danceable (in an early Gang Of Four type way) while the following ‘You Are Not Who You Were’ rocks along in a lo-fi way (that Cavetown influence?) and that’s indicative of Power; it is a shapeshifter, yet it flows from song to song in a logical manner. This isn’t a succession of sonic shots, rather it flows seamlessly and exactly as an album should. As an in demand producer, it is only natural that some of the artists Sarah has worked with would rub off on her own work, yet any influences are filtered through her own unique spectrum until they’re quite unrecognisable.
Handling the “difficult third album” with apparent ease, Power finds Illuminati Hotties at the peak of their prowess and evidence a band who are in the ascendency.
- Power is released via Hopeless Records on 23rd August 2024.
Track List:
- Can’t Be Still
- I would Like, Still Love You
- Throw (Life Raft)
- Rot
- Falling In Love With Somebody Better
- The L
- Sleeping In
- Didn’t (feat. Cavetown)
- You Are Not Who You Were
- What’s The Fuzz
- YSL
- Power
- Everything Changes
