Haute & Freddy's Maximalist Pop Revival Sends Jolt Through TikTok
Just when you thought pop music might be moving away from the synth-heavy sounds of the 1980s, a thrilling new act emerges to declare emphatically: "Nope!" Haute & Freddy, the Los Angeles-based pop duo comprised of Michelle Buzz and Lance Shipp, are injecting the scene with a vibrant, maximalist energy that is currently electrifying TikTok. Their Regency-styled aesthetic and theatrical flair are capturing attention, positioning them as one of the most exciting new acts to watch.
A Debut Album and a Dancefloor Anthem
The duo's debut album, Big Disgrace, is set for release on 13 March, building anticipation among fans of synth-pop revivalism. Their latest single, Dance the Pain Away, has been hailed as the year's first true banger. This dazzling sad-pop production cuts through the January gloom, offering an irresistible invitation to the dancefloor with its sparkling melodies and emotive lyrics.
Haute & Freddy's sound is a love letter to mid-80s British pop, evoking the wavy synths of Pet Shop Boys' West End Girls, the winding bass of Bronski Beat's Smalltown Boy, and Erasure's signature soaring crescendos. Despite these clear influences, their seven singles to date avoid feeling like mere imitations. Instead, they present as a series of affectionate tributes, crafted with a distinct theatrical energy that sets them apart.
Experienced Songwriters Embracing Maximalism
Both Michelle Buzz and Lance Shipp are seasoned songwriters with impressive credits, having co-written for major artists including Katy Perry, Kylie Minogue, Britney Spears, and Calvin Harris. This experience writing for established, often more mainstream acts has evidently pushed their own creative output towards the opposite end of the spectrum. They wholeheartedly embrace maximalism, incorporating orchestra hits, thunderous stadium drums, and lyrics that express emotion wildly and in every direction.
Their visual style, which appears as if they've been thrift shopping through every era since the 1700s, complements their audacious sound. While some might draw comparisons to meticulously constructed label projects like Chappell Roan, there is an undeniable authenticity and thrill to their music. The songs are as captivating to listen to as their bold, dress-up-box visuals are to watch.
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