Ladytron released seven studio albums so far: 604 (2001), Light & Magic (2002), Witching Hour (2005), Velocifero (2008), Gravity the Seducer (2011) , Ladytron (2019) and Time's Arrow (2023). They also issued the live album Live at London Astoria 16.07.08 (2009), the compilation album Best of 00-10 (2011), and the EPs Miss Black and Her Friends (1999), Commodore Rock (2000), Mu-Tron EP (2000), Extended Play (2006), The Harmonium Sessions (2006), Ace of Hz EP (2011). Their sound is usually described as electropop mixed with new wave and shoegaze influences.
Liverpool-based producers and DJs Daniel Hunt and Reuben Wu met in the 1990s. Hunt was the founder of the indie record label Invicta Hi-Fi and of a nightclub. Wu trained in Industrial Design at Sheffield Hallam University and graduated in 1997. He became an industrial designer at Team Consulting Limited until 2002.
Using the moniker Ladytron, taken from the song "Ladytron" by Roxy Music, Hunt and Wu recorded the debut single "He Took Her to a Movie" with the guest vocalist Lisa Eriksson (who later formed the band Techno Squirrels). "He Took Her to a Movie" was released in July 1999 and gained positive reviews.
In the summer of 1999, Hunt and Wu met Helen Marnie (born in 1978 in Glasgow, Scotland) and Mira Aroyo (born in 1977 in Sofia, Bulgaria). Marnie and Aroyo joined Ladytron as vocalists and keyboard players. Marnie studied music at the University of Liverpool where she received a Bachelor of Arts in pop music in 1999. Aroyo was a postgraduate research geneticist in the Oxford University's Biochemistry department.
In December 1999, Ladytron issued the EP Miss Black and Her Friends in Japan only. It was followed in June 2000 by the EP Commodore Rock and in October 2000 by Mu-Tron EP. All the songs from these EPs, except "Miss Black" and "Olivetti Jerk", were later included on their debut studio album. "He Took Her to a Movie", Mu-Tron EP, "The Way That I Found You", were all selected as NME "Single of the Week".
In 6 February 2001, Ladytron released their critically acclaimed debut album, 604 on Emperor Norton (US). The album was also released in 26 March 2001 on Labels (Germany) and in 2 April 2001 on Invicta Hi-Fi (UK). It was re-released in 20 July 2004 on Emperor Norton (US) and in 14 January 2011 (Germany)/18 January 2011 (US)/24 January (UK) on Nettwerk.
604 has been written mostly by Daniel Hunt and co-produced by him and Lance Thomas. Three singles supported the album's promotion: "He Took Her to a Movie", "Playgirl", and "The Way That I Found You".
Also in 2001, Ladytron covered The Human League' song "Open Your Heart" for the compilation album Reproductions: Songs of The Human League. Until 2004, the band wore uniforms on stage. Daniel Hunt stated in 2001 that their uniforms were inspired by the SF movie The Andromeda Strain. In an interview from 2002, Hunt also said that the meaning of 604 album title is the area code for British Columbia.
In 17 September 2002, Ladytron released their sophomore album Light & Magic at Emperor Norton (US) and Telstar (UK). The album was also released in 7 April 2003 at Warner Music (Germany) and in 21 June 2003 at Victor Entertainment (Japan). It was re-released in 20 July 2004 on Emperor Norton (US) and in 14 January 2011 (Germany)/18 January 2011 (US)/24 January 2011 (UK) on Nettwerk.
Light & Magic was co-produced by the band and Mickey Petralia in Los Angeles. The album featured a darker sound than their debut and spawned three underground hits, "Seventeen", "Evil", and "Blue Jeans". They toured over a year to support this album.
In 7 October 2003, they issued the mix compilation Softcore Jukebox on Emperor Norton. The compilation includes songs of other artists selected by the band and also two of their own songs: the single remix of "Blue Jeans" renamed "Blue Jeans 2.0" and the cover "Oops Oh My" by Tweet. In 2004, they played a series of shows in China as part of an exhibition tour set up by the British Council.
In 3 October 2005, Ladytron released their third studio album Witching Hour on Island (UK). The album was also released in 4 October 2005 on Universal Music (Germany) and Rykodisc (US). It was re-released in 5 April 2007 on Major (Germany), in 5 November 2007 on So Sweet (UK), in 18 January 2011 (US)/24 January 2011 (UK) on Nettwerk.
Witching Hour was co-produced by the band and Jim Abbiss. The album featured live drums and guitars mixed with their trademark sound. This album was very well received by critics and fans. It was supported by the singles "Sugar" and "Destroy Everything You Touch". The single "Destroy Everything You Touch" became the band's signature song.
Their third album was followed in 2006 by Extended Play, a two-disc EP CD/DVD compilation that features exclusive unreleased remixes and UK B-sides, as well as a 35-minute bonus DVD that included a 27 minutes documentary titled Once Upon a Time in the East: Ladytron in China based on their short 2004 tour in China. In the same year Ladytron recorded The Harmonium Sessions, which contained four reworked songs from Witching Hour.
Without any real label support, Ladytron toured exhaustively over the next two years, on the strength of their cult following. They played in North America, Europe, and South America. They also opened for Nine Inch Nails in early 2007 at the request of Trent Reznor.
Along their career, Ladytron have produced remixes for many artists, including Dave Gahan, Goldfrapp, Placebo, Blondie, Bloc Party, Kings of Convenience, Gang of Four, She Wants Revenge, Soulwax, Nine Inch Nails, Simian, Indochine and Apoptygma Berzerk.
In 2 June 2008, the group issued on Nettwerk their fourth album, Velocifero. The album was recorded in Paris, with the band handling production duties with Alessandro Cortini (Modwheelmood, Nine Inch Nails, SONOIO) and Vicarious Bliss (Justice, DJ Mehdi). Their sound evolved to an even more organic sound and harsher beats. The band states that "velocifero" literally means "bringer of speed" and is also the name of a classic retro styled scooter. The album spawned three singles, "Ghosts", "Runaway" and "Tomorrow".
In 6 April 2009, Nettwerk issued the remix compilation Velocifero (Remixed & Rare). In the same year, the band self-released their first live album entitled Live at London Astoria 16.07.08. They also co-wrote and produced the songs "Birds of Prey" and "Little Dreamer" for Christina Aguilera. These songs featured on her 2010 album Bionic.
In 2009, Ladytron toured North America with The Faint (co-headline tour), and performed two special shows with Brian Eno at the Sydney Opera House in the summer. They also announced that they will be the opening act for Depeche Mode on few concerts in Eastern Europe, but these concerts were cancelled due to Dave Gahan's illness.
The soundtrack of the video game FIFA 11 featured a new Ladytron song, "Ace of Hz", which was released as digital single on 30 November 2010. In 11 January 2011, the band issued the digital EP Ace of Hz, which includes the album mix plus 5 remixes.
In 28 March 2011, Ladytron released the compilation Best of 00-10 on Nettwerk. It featured 17 tracks on standard edition and 33 tracks on deluxe edition (plus a 80 pages booklet). They also issued the remix compilation Best of Remixes and the iTunes video compilation Best of 00-10 Videos.
In 12 September 2011, they released the fifth studio album, Gravity the Seducer, on Nettwerk. The album was recorded in Kent's countryside and it was produced by the band and Barny Barnicott (Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, Editors). Daniel Hunt said "Gravity the Seducer is more of a jump than the last album was, more ethereal and melodic, a touch more abstract in places than we've gone before, baroque 'n' roll".
Gravity the Seducer has been preceded by the single "White Elephant", issued on 17 May 2011. The band premiered the song "Ambulances", in 16 June 2011. It was followed by the single "Mirage" in 8 August 2011.
On 20 December 2011, Nettwerk issued the remix compilations 604 (Remixed & Rare), Light & Magic (Remixed & Rare), Witching Hour (Remixed & Rare).
Using the stage name of Marnie, Helen Marnie started in 2012 a solo career. She self-released her debut solo album Crystal World on 11 June 2013. The album was produced in 2012 in Reykjavik, Iceland by her band mate Daniel Hunt in collaboration with the Icelandic musician Barði Jóhannsson.
Touring:
There have been six main Ladytron tours: 604 tour (2001), Light & Magic tour (2002–2004), Witching Hour tour (2005–2007), Velocifero tour (2008–2009), Best of 00-10 tour (2011), and Gravity the Seducer tour (2011) and Time's Arrow tour (2023). During the years, they toured in Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Australia.
The band played at various music festivals like La Route du Rock 2001, Reading Festival 2001, Festival Internacional de Benicàssim 2001 and 2005, Coachella Festival 2003 and 2006, Hultsfred Festival 2003, Arvikafestivalen 2003 and 2006, Lowlands Festival 2003, Dot-to-Dot Festival 2005, Pukkelpop 2005, Exit Festival 2005, Creamfields 2007, Electric Picnic 2007, Bonnaroo Festival 2008, Ruisrock Festival 2009, Traffic Festival 2009, Standon Calling Festival 2009, Electrosonic Festival 2009, Ping Gu Valley Festival 2011, Donaufestival 2011, Selector Festival 2011, Hegyalja Festival 2011, Decibel Festival 2011, DeLuna Fest 2011, Zouk Festival 2011.
Since Light & Magic tour, Ladytron started to tour extensively and to add touring members to play live bass and drums. Previous touring members include Pop Levi (bass during Light & Magic tour), Andrea Goldsworthy (bass during Witching Hour tour), and Keith York (drums during Light & Magic tour and Witching Hour tour).
Bands to open for Ladytron on their tours include Simian, The Presets, Client, Phaser, CSS, Asobi Seksu, Mount Sims, Crocodiles, Franz Ferdinand, SONOIO, VHS or Beta and Geographer.
Ladytron have opened for other artists like Soulwax on their UK tour in 2001, Björk in 2003, and Goldfrapp in 2006. In early 2007, they opened for Nine Inch Nails on their European tour, at the invitation of Trent Reznor. In 2009, Ladytron and The Faint co-headlined a North American tour.
Official site: www.ladytron.com
The Island
Ladytron Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Farewell, farewell to you and you
People, people in lost and found
People, people, we've hit the ground
Falling fast, falling harder
Falling faster in all of the chains that bind us
Seeking out our heavenly future
Calling out, call protection
Calling out, calling out to the hand that blinds us
Make it count, make it out alive
Make it count, make it out, this is dangerous
Poison paradigm
We are savages, given your poison lips
Broken wires, ghetto souls
Conflicted, calculated architects
Echo a new direction
Fate loves desire
We are sirens of, of the apocalypse
Poison paradigm
We are savages, given your poison lips
Welcome, welcome your glory back
Welcome, welcome to the island
Glory, glory begin again
Glory, glory and betrayal
Falling fast, falling harder
Falling faster in all of the chains that bind us
Seeking out our departure
Seeking out our heavenly future
Calling out, call protection
Calling out, calling out to the hand that blinds us
Make it count, make it out alive
Make it count, make it out this dangerous
Poison paradigm
We are savages, given your poison lips
Attitudes, privilege
Without regret, a hazard lost at sea, a toxic intuition
Fate loves desire
We are sirens of, of the apocalypse
Poison paradigm
We are savages, given your poison lips
Poison paradigm
We are savages, given your poison lips
Poison paradigm
We are savages, we are savages
Ladytron's song The Island is a haunting, undulating tune that speaks to the triumphs as well as the dangers of human ambition. The lyrics of this song suggest that humanity is on the brink of something revolutionary but potentially catastrophic. It opens with a mournful farewell to dreams that the people once held dear. It then segues to a chorus of voices, evoking a sound of a cacophony of those who are lost and in need of direction. The second verse describes poison as a paradigm and how the people are savages. Ladytron suggests that human beings are calculating architects who construct their destinies despite the inherent risk. The line "Welcome, welcome to the island" seems like a call to new beginnings while betrayals accompany the arrival of glory. The songs end on an almost desperate note, with Ladytron calling out to the hand that blinds us, urging us to make it out alive.
The lyrics offer a distinct warning about the dangers of human ambition and the impact that reckless behavior can have on collective humanity. Ladytron's use of metaphors like 'poison lips' in corrosive societal paradigms is a powerful statement that warns against the consequences of allowing greed and the desire for power to go unchecked. Humanity could face an apocalypse if it continues to walk a path of self-destruction. The song’s narrative contrasts the desire for change with the fundamental flaws of the human condition, calling out the corruptive influence of power and ambition that can lead to a toxic, broken world. This song is part elegy and part call to arms, marking Ladytron's attempt to sound the alarm, it encourages us to take heed of the precarious nature of the future.
Line by Line Meaning
Farewell, farewell dreams we once knew
Goodbye to our past hopes and aspirations.
Farewell, farewell to you and you
Farewell to people who we are leaving behind.
People, people in lost and found
People struggling to find their way in life.
People, people, we've hit the ground
People who have fallen short of their goals.
Falling fast, falling harder
Failing and struggling increasingly.
Falling faster in all of the chains that bind us
Falling more under the influence of negative circumstances holding us back.
Seeking out our departure
Trying to break free from our current situation.
Seeking out our heavenly future
Looking for a better and brighter future.
Calling out, call protection
Asking for help and protection.
Calling out, calling out to the hand that blinds us
Asking for help from people who may not have our best interests in mind.
Make it count, make it out alive
Trying to succeed against all odds.
Make it count, make it out, this is dangerous
Pushing forward even though it's risky.
Poison paradigm
A harmful way of thinking.
We are savages, given your poison lips
Being influenced to act in cruel ways due to the words and actions of others.
Broken wires, ghetto souls
Feeling broken and lost because of our surroundings.
Conflicted, calculated architects
Feeling torn and struggling to make decisions.
Echo a new direction
Trying to find a new path.
Fate loves desire
Believing that what one desires will happen.
We are sirens of, of the apocalypse
Feeling like we are the cause of the end of the world.
Welcome, welcome your glory back
Welcoming back pride and success that may have disappeared.
Welcome, welcome to the island
Welcome to a place of isolation and separation.
Glory, glory begin again
Seeking to regain past success and happiness.
Glory, glory and betrayal
Feeling like one's success and happiness has been hindered by disloyalty.
Attitudes, privilege
Negative behavior that comes with entitlement and advantage.
Without regret, a hazard lost at sea, a toxic intuition
Being without remorse and lacking direction, with negative thoughts guiding actions.
We are savages, we are savages
We are acting cruelly and without regard for others.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Helen Marnie, Mira Aroyo, Daniel Hunt, Reuben Wu
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
E T
I feel sorry for people who haven’t realized how great this band is. They are so unique and CRUSH IT live!
One of the best shows I’ve ever seen was a decade ago, at the Czar in Ybor (Tampa). Datarock opening for Ladytron.
Such influential creativity and damn good live drummers.
Cheers!
L
I was at the same show!! Amazing! So glad I went when they came to town
Jackie Salinas
@Eric Troxell agreed, they are one of the most underrated bands for sure!
Jackie Salinas
I too am super jealous! I have loved them for a long time, but never got to see them live. Are they touring now? I thought so, but didn't see tix on their website.
tranbert
Saw Datarock + ModWheelMood open for Ladytron back then too in LA! Awesome time and also bumped into Trent Reznor there!!
Eric Troxell
I'm very jealous. They are definitely one of the most underrated bands I've ever encountered
Саид Амада
Лучшее, что есть в музыке - это Ледитрон
Spazmobot
This band excels at creating not only their unique sound, but also such otherworldly vision. They're paired so hauntingly precise that it seems to spark a universe of possibilities in my imagination. I wish other artists could elicit this response in my brains as effortlessly as Ladytron does...
Kirk Kenny
Check out Xeno and Oaklander, similar sound in places
YTbr
This should have million views. As the huge Ladytron fan I am, I love this alot, it defintely has the Ladytron sound which is amazing and unique. Beautiful music! Very underrated, both the song and Ladytron overall. They are one of the best electronic bands ever.