Breaking an 8-year hiatus, Sean O’Hagan’s project The High Llamas returns with “Hey Panda”, the title track from their upcoming LP set to be released on March 29. The album comes to us via Drag City Records and marks the first new release from The High Llamas since 2016. The single is accompanied by an equally charming music video directed by Simon Russell.
Frontman O’Hagan spoke on the single and its unusual inspiration. “I spent lockdown and recovery as a TikTok fan of a Panda bear who ate giant carrots every day. It made me so happy. I think as crazy as TikTok is, it also fosters a community, especially between us and animals… not sure if the animals know. I wanted it to be a Khalid meets Disclosure tune. The subs picking up every beat. But as it’s High Llamas… the key changes are there…sorry.”
The last time we got a full-length from High Llamas was in 2015 with Here Comes the Rattling Trees. Hey Panda is promising to be something refreshing from what fans are used to from the band but a change like this is always welcomed. “Hey Panda” is a dainty ballad set to a minimal yet gorgeous arrangement as O’Hagan croons over wonky pop melodies. The full LP feels far away right now but its lead single is enough to hold us over until March 29.
Check out the music video and first single from The High Llamas return LP below:
