Heads Up

Heads Up represents a significant evolution for Warpaint, marking their most rhythmic and electronically-inclined work. Recorded in 2016 after a period of solo projects, the album saw the band reuniting with producer Jake Bercovici. Unlike their previous self-titled effort, which relied on long-form jams and atmospheric density, Heads Up was constructed with a more modular approach, with members recording parts in home studios and sharing ideas rapidly. This resulted in a punchier, more diverse sound palette influenced by Janet Jackson, Björk, and Outkast. The lead single 'New Song' signaled this shift toward 'alternative pop,' featuring a BPM and melodic directness previously unseen in their catalog. Despite the move toward the dancefloor, the album retains the band's core identity: Jenny Lee Lindberg’s lead-bass style and the ethereal, multi-part vocal harmonies of Kokal and Wayman. It stands as a 'mature' version of the band, balancing their art-rock roots with a newfound rhythmic playfulness.