illuminati hotties – POWER

Label: Hopeless Records
Released: 23rd August 2024

Sarah Tudzin probably doesn’t have access to supernatural forces, but listening to illuminati hotties’ ‘POWER’, you’d be forgiven for thinking otherwise; such is the whispered allure contained within. ‘POWER’ is a rollercoaster that careens through the highs and lows of life with the reckless abandon of a shopping trolley commandeered by caffeinated teenagers. From the get-go, ‘Can’t Be Still’ sets the tone with its addictive energy, with sugar-spun melodies and lyrics that push far deeper. 

But it’s not all breakneck speed and clever quips. ‘Power’, the album’s title-track, hits like an emotional freight train, Tudzin grappling with mortality and loss in a way that’s raw and unflinchingly honest. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to call your mum and tell her you love her, even if you just spoke to her five minutes ago. Meanwhile, ‘Didn’t’, featuring Cavetown, showcases Tudzin’s ability to blend the carefree with the poignant, creating something unexpectedly moving and utterly charming.

‘POWER’ cements illuminati hotties’ place in the indie-rock pantheon, showcasing Tudzin’s growth as both a songwriter and producer. It’s an album that demands to be not just enjoyed, but repeated. A welcome visitor for the back end of summer that’s sure to stick around long into the winter.