There are some artists you discover and think, “Oh, I rather like this,” and then there are artists who slowly worm their way into your blogging brain until you find yourself championing them at every available opportunity. For me, Haute & Freddy most definitely belong in the latter camp!
So, when the rapidly rising synth-pop duo landed in the UK in May for the European leg of their “Big Disgrace” tour, I wasn’t about to miss my opportunity to see what all that Haute & Freddy magic would look like in the flesh. Mission accepted: secure a ringside spot at the opening night of the European run at London’s Bush Hall.
And honestly? What an absolute hoot!
“Big Disgrace” live was everything I wanted it to be and then some. Bush Hall was packed, the royal court was fully assembled and there was a wonderful sense that everyone had arrived ready to have a very good time. We danced, we sang and embraced every bit of the duo’s deliciously mischievous shenanigans.
For Michelle Buzz, Haute herself — it was a particularly special occasion, as she appeared visibly overwhelmed by the royal court’s response to Haute & Freddy’s first performance outside the US.
Yet beneath all the fun, what really struck me was the songwriting and musicianship. Haute & Freddy may wear their 80s influences proudly, but this isn’t simply nostalgia dressed in neon. There is genuine craft underneath it all. It is true! Haute’s vocals, particularly in a live setting, even carried the most uncanny likeness to Kate Bush.
No wonder the duo’s audience is growing at such speed. Upgraded venues and additional dates soon followed, including two London stops at Heaven in November. Naturally, I assumed we were heading towards a “Big Disgrace” deluxe.
Following the debut of “Touch Touch” at Lollapalooza, where they played to arguably their biggest crowd yet. The track has caused such a stir among their increasingly global royal court that it has arrived earlier than expected.
And oh, what a treat it is.
Stylistically, “Touch Touch” feels like Giorgio Moroder’s “Together in Electric Dreams” wandered into a Pet Shop Boys studio and decided to stay. It’s deliciously 80s-coded, yet unmistakably Haute & Freddy, with pulsating synths wrapped around Haute’s ethereal vocal and a narrative centred on craving intimacy.
If “Big Disgrace” introduced many of us to the Haute & Freddy and the royal court. “Touch Touch” feels like the moment they opened the palace gates. I have a sneaking suspicion these two are going to keep throwing absolute bangers at us. And frankly, I’m more than happy to keep my dancing shoes at the ready. Consider my royal invitation permanently accepted.
Connect with Haute & Freddy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hauteandfreddy/
The post Haute & Freddy Take 80s Synth-Pop to New Heights With “Touch Touch” appeared first on EQ Music.
