Labels: Tiny Engines
Review by: MH
There’s a plural in the name but Illuminati Hotties is the project of one Sarah Tudzin, an LA-based producer and engineer. “Kiss Yr Frenemies” is more of a full band affair though with a host of others joining Sarah along the way. This opens gently with the brief title track which calls Frankie Cosmos to mind but this is a varied, playful and energetic set of songs. There are also some restrained, dreamier slow songs (“For Cheez (My Friend, Not The Food)” has a beautiful first half before it bursts into life towards the end of the track) and some huge pop songs on here – most notably “(You’re Better) Than Ever” and “Paying Off The Happiness”. The latter is one of the best songs I’ve heard all year – so is “The Shape Of My Hands”. “Cuff” is also deserving of a mention as it also switches from hazy, more restrained verses to bigger, dissonant choruses. Really though, I could be talking about pretty much every track on here. A standout album from start to finish.