Live Review: PNAU reunite with Ladyhawke for new anthem to wash away 2020, 'River'
PNAU team up with Ladyhawke twelve years after their groundbreaking hit 'Embrace' for another powerful new anthem in 'River'.
Twelve years after their first collaboration, living dance legends PNAU have once again teamed up with Ladyhawke for a powerful new anthem. Titled 'River', this collab follows on from their groundbreaking and timeless hit, 'Embrace', from PNAU's self titled 2008 album, and absolutely meets the very high expectations set when the band teased the song's existence earlier this week.
At once paying homage to the formative era in which PNAU found their feet, the rave and progressive scenes of the late ‘90s and 2000s, while also serving as yet another example of why the trio can still pack out festival stages, sell chart-topping records and receive even more ARIA nominations this year, 'River' is a hard-hitting, soaring, and uplifting hit-in-waiting. Ladyhawke's emotive cries of the song's title, her dramatic and captivating delivery in the verses and dynamic versatility as the song moves into its many different parts takes 'River' where it needs to go, pushing it all the way.
Exploring themes of renewal and rebirth, 'River' comes at a perfect time as well all try to make sense of the year just gone, and figure out what the hell we do now. Speaking to the spiritual element PNAU, and especially Nick Littlemore, always employs in their music, and the power that genuine escapist dance music holds, 'River' is immediately impactful, and is a fitting anthem we can all dance and sing to as we wind down 2020. Building on the already impressive groundwork the band laid earlier this year with the equally uplifting and escapist 'Lucky' featuring Vlossom, 'River' is just what we need right now.
“’River’ came about when Ladyhawke came back into the PNAU fold,” explains PNAU’s Nick Littlemore. “It seems every time we’ve collaborated with her it’s been incendiary. We met a long while ago; within moments of meeting it was clear we had a deep connection. Ladyhawke has a remarkable voice and her creativity is second to none. It’s her humour and humility, her ability to cut through to the listener, that makes you feel like you are experiencing something for the very first time. This tune is a combination of Ladyhawke’s brilliance and the inspiring work of Sam and Peter. I really believe this song is the living proof of magic; all the elements coming together just right. I hope with all sincerity that you experience the joy we did in making it.”
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Ladyhawke adds, “Years after doing ‘Embrace’ with the PNAU guys, they approached me again to maybe try something new. I’ve always had a unique connection with Nick Littlemore so knew whatever we made would be special. I remember standing in Nick’s LA home studio screaming into a microphone being egged on by him yelling “Louder!!!!” so I could get the “Riveerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr” just right! I love this track and am very excited to be involved.”
Listen to 'River' below:
'River' is out now via etcetc. Buy/stream here.
Words by Emma Jones
Image: Supplied
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