patawawa

Patawawa, the Derbyshire based trio are treating us to yet another single ‘Adadadadeya’. The fourth track from their September album ‘Power Up’, teasing us with more of their trademark brightly-hued electro-pop.

Immediately lush and glossy, ‘Adadadadeya’ is rich in Robyn-esk pop, yet never in a way that suffocates you with its sheen. The track still feels loose; relaxed, arms waving and flailing to the beat, but always in choreographed fashion. It’s just begging to be played live, the audience-band interaction is the sole focus of the track, you can hear how every flourish, every lick would ripple across the crowd.

Slathered in disco chords and funk bass, it’s instantly recognizable as Patawawa. A riot of synthesizers, club effects, and the odd flute, it’s an ode to the dancefloor, belonging to the Jackie Brown soundtrack. An open armed record, built from a community of dedicated fans welcoming those who just want to dance.

“You know that feeling when you meet complete randomers but you end up in their little gang.” – Beth Garrett (vocalist)

Focused on togetherness, it’s all about the experience, however fleeting it may be. The track is made for the dancers, supporting the crowd like the LED lights they dance on. That 70s fixation is crystal clear but never spoofy, hitting with just the right amount of knowing and irony.

Shrouded by the overwhelming anxiety of the moment, having a band like Patawawa filling your headphones and bedrooms with romantic pop is just what the doctor ordered. Creating immersive installations of your favourite memories – reminiscing the festivals of years gone by.

All the bells and whistles sometimes drown out the actual song writing, but using the lyrics as an extra vocoder, rather than just words sitting on top, is a strength of the band. Patawawa could be at risk of being trapped in lyrical stasis but to me, it’s simply another layer to the tightly weaved magic of the track. It’s a spring-loaded hook swelling back into itself, looping and spiralling into the main groove.

Drawing reference to one of my favourite dance pop artists Jain: both reimagine and utilise vocals in a very similar way: experimenting lyrically with world influences, and hip hop sampling style.

‘Adadadadeya’ is definitely their most explicitly disco track, from indie pop ‘So late’ to playing with a John Hughes soundscape in ‘Forget about it’. Gaining character and building personality is not something Patawawa needed to work on, but still, this intensely nostalgic track has a mind of its own!

The recent releases all work as stand alone tracks, expanding and diversifying the Patatwawa universe. A band unafraid to just have fun, and never ones to stick to a certain ‘sound’. Pouring their all into every project, each version of Patawawa is full and purposeful. Quickly developing one of the most varied and inspiring setlists, and hopefully, in the not so distant future, you’ll chant ‘Adadadadeya’ in a room full of strangers…rather than just into your hairbrush.

‘Adadadadeya’ is out now on all major platforms and keep updated with the band on Instagram @patawawa. Let us know what you think and leave an ICM Star Rating out of 10.