Teenagers unite after twenty years for new album “Fourteen” and single “Getting Tough”
Nearly two decades after the release of their beloved cult classic, Thirteen, Teenager, comprised of Nick Littlemore from PNAU and Empire of the Sun, and New Zealand’s Pip Brown, also known as Ladyhawke, have come together again to unveil their highly anticipated second album, titled Fourteen. The first track from this release, titled Getting Tough, sets the stage with its pulsating electro-acid groove.
The duo, formed in 2004 during a time when electronic rock and post-punk were at the forefront of alternative music, harnessed the merging sounds to create their debut album, Thirteen. This experimental offering combined punk energy with dancefloor vibes, featuring songs like Pony and Bound and Gagged, which quickly gained recognition for their unique blend of distorted guitar and electronic elements. Thirteen, which had contributions from members of Sonic Youth, Van She, The Presets, and The Birthday Party, garnered a dedicated fan base across Australia, the UK, and the US, where Teenager received acclaim for their boundary-pushing sound.
Following the success of Thirteen, both Littlemore and Brown ventured into their individual musical pursuits. Brown embarked on a solo career under the moniker Ladyhawke, releasing hits like Paris Is Burning and My Delirium, blending 1980s-inspired pop with indie flair. Littlemore continued his sonic explorations with PNAU and Empire of the Sun, collaborating on global hits such as Walking on a Dream and Alive. Despite their separate paths, the creative spark between Littlemore and Brown endured, leading to the creation of Fourteen.
Fourteen is a culmination of years of collaboration and evolution, bridging the worlds of electronic pop and indie rock. Featuring original members Ladyhawke and Donnie Sloan, as well as contributions from Peter Mayes, Sam LaMore, Ivy Rose, and a Sydney children’s choir, the album showcases a diverse range of talent and influences. The lead single, Getting Tough, showcases the duo’s playful innovation, blending toy death-influenced beats with an 8-bit core, resulting in a track that captures the essence of Teenager’s sound.
The tracks on Fourteen, including A.A., Sail the Seas, Love Is You, and Getting Tough, capture the essence of Teenager’s signature euphoric pulse and cinematic grandeur. With rich textures and emotional depth, the album pays homage to the duo’s storied past while looking towards the future. After almost two decades, Teenager’s return is not just a reunion but a continuation of their musical journey, one that began in the mid-2000s and now culminates with Fourteen, a record that seamlessly blends nostalgia with innovation.