Lauran Hibberd - Garageband Superstar 
(Virgin Music)
Release Date: Out Now
It has been quite the ride watching Lauran Hibberd developing from promosing provincial talent to UK wide hype artist with the potential to take on the world. The pinacle of that journey is the release of Hibberd's debut album, 'Garageband Superstar', but it comes as a bittersweet triumph as it coincides with the untimely death of her father. The album opens up with indie-slacker-pop-rock of 'Rollercoaster' which swaggers in to the club, demands your attention and sneers a smile covered in neon lipstick whilst looking over the top of some leopard print sunglasses. Brilliant former single 'Still Running' follows on with the lo-fi punk energy of Shampoo but the American vibes of Brassy in the melodic progressions.
The bratty but perky indie-pop of 'Step Mom' will resonate with kids everywhere while 'Average Joe' tells the story of a guy that everyone has seen in Wetherspoons or shouting at traffic lights. Hibberd is an arch story teller and observer of human behaviour which comes out brilliantly on 'Hot Boys' but its the way she sets these lyrical fables to such hooky and energetic melodies. The angular riffs and dead-eyed vocals of 'That Was A Joke' break in to an anthemic chorus which is ready to soundtrack 1000 teenage summers all at once. Similarly, 'Get Some' has some serious strutting or cruising energy just ready for adding to your latest travelling playlist but title track 'Garageband Superstar' has a slightly more laid back vibe that reminds me of Wheatus in the best possible ways.
On 'Hole In The Head', Hibberd embraces her grunge side without ever losing sight of the importance of melody or lyrics and that is truly something to celebrate. Recent single 'I'm Insecure' is a real highlight of the album as we are taking on a rap-rock odyssey of anxiety via Trip Advisor, Amazon Wishlists and imposter syndrome. The closest thing to a ballad on this album comes in the form of 'Slimming Down' which is stripped back enough to show off Hibberd's vocal talents. The album finishes with the yoga exercise instructions of 'Last Song Ever' which builds and goes out high kicking with a grunge chorus line that puts me in mind of Catatonia in their prime. For once, the hype matches the end product and this is outstanding debut which should have the whole of the UK scene (and beyond) checking over their shoulders. Your girl done good Papa Hibberd, rest in pride.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/lauran.hibberd
Live Dates:
17th September - Arts Club, Liverpool
18th September - Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
19th September - King Tuts, Glasgow
21st September - Mama Roux's, Birmingham
22nd September - Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff
23rd September - The Garage, London
24th September - The Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth
30th September - Strings, Isle of Wight