Ladybug Pop

ladybug pop

Ladybug pop has become a phenomenon, with bands such as Boo Berry and Ladybug Transistor releasing ethereal, sprightly dance music that makes the mind spin. While hard rockers are most often found thrashing around with phallic guitars, Ladybug Transistor plays delicate music, utilizing melodies and hooks to set a mood without the need for overtly witty wordplay.

The band’s new record, Clutching Stems, continues along the same gentle tropical path. It’s an enjoyable bauble, but also one that feels like it could have been released 50 years ago. There’s a lingering sense of denial and avoidance on the part of the band, a reluctance to face a difficult past that has left them feeling somewhat stranded in the middle of nowhere.

It’s a bit of a shame, because the album has so much potential. Ladybug Transistor is a talented band that could have taken this opportunity to burrow under the skin of what it means to be a young woman in the modern world and deliver something truly breathless. Instead, they’ve chosen to keep their heads down and soldier on, and as a result, the record ends up being one that’s easy to forget once it’s over.

Despite the setback, it doesn’t mean that the band should be writing off the future. The upcoming release of their second album is sure to be a much more focused affair, and that can only be good for the group. It will be interesting to see if they’re able to make the leap from enjoyable bauble to truly remarkable record in the future.

In the meantime, fans of the show can get their fix via the upcoming Funko Pop Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir figures. The main figure for Ladybug features the teen superhero herself wearing her signature blue hair, with a red jumpsuit and mask featuring black spots. She’s joined by her Kwami, Tikki, who provides her with her special hero abilities. The villainous Hawk Moth is also included as a Chase variant with a silver mask covering his head and a purple suit.

Other characters from the movie are also coming to Pop form. Pitt’s former assassin is shown wearing a green tracksuit with a white bucket hat and glasses, while holding her fabled briefcase that all the other assassins are after. He’s also available in a chase variant with his glasses removed and his face cut up, reflecting his state as he attempts to fight off Momonon on the train.