The Cosmic Return of Lava La Rue

Lava La Rue is back with vengeance in their new single ‘Renegade’, on the independent record label Dirty Hit.

Following their debut in 2018 with the nostalgic ‘Widdit' and 2022 EP ‘Hi-Fidelity’ (a collaboration with Biig Piig and Foster the People’s Isom Innis), the release of ‘Renegade’ came with high expectations – which have (of course) been met.

'Renegade' recounts the story of an infatuated protagonist, which Lava La Rue tells via mesmerising vocals. Meanwhile, Stolen Nova appears like some galactic Frank Zappa, providing glam guitar solos to context Lava La Rue's ballad. With additional drums from Luca Caruso!

In fact, Lava La Rue's avant-garde mixing of progressive rock and psychedelia, with punk vocals and the warping of live drums has planted 'Renegade' firmly on BBC Radio 1’s Hottest Record.

The music video pairs Lava La Rue’s transcendent sound with equally vivid visuals, in a 2001: A Space Odyssey – meets – Doctor Who vibe… while also featuring a Hot Fuzz-esque model village?

Lava La Rue describes the imagery as inspired by Japanese sci-fi, which influenced her while living in Tokyo in 2017.

The listening experience is completely conceptualised by Lava La Rue’s genius, as they directed the video alongside production from MrMr Film. The fantastical aesthetic combines an enviously retro wardrobe too, featuring huge 70s collars, retro bell-bottom trousers and exhibitionist platform heels.

The single feels like a true reflection of the West Londoner's wider NiNE8 collective, which is a group devoted to multimedia creativity and art. Lava La Rue and the NiNE8 collective feel at the apex of creativity, actively furthering contemporary music and art. So, Lava La Rue is shouting, and the artist’s garage rock, RnB, hip-hop, and punk genre-bending, has formed a cult of listeners - globally. Indeed, their effortlessly cool vocals and equally authentic aura have landed them spots at this year’s Coachella, and the forthcoming Blue Dot festival at Jodrell Bank.

Yet, Lava La Rue is offering culture something larger than sonic tributes, their work is a clear commentary on contemporary social progress and political resistance. Lava La Rue is using their platforms to engage in poetic discussions regarding socio-economic issues here in the UK, and as a medium to assert queer experience and intersectionality.