Mohawk (album)

Mohawk is the debut studio album by Canadian new wave band Rough Trade, released in 1980 on Umbrella Records in Canada and True North Records internationally. The album is named after the lead singer Carole Pope's distinctive mohawk haircut.

The album is notable for its sexually suggestive lyrics and groundbreaking exploration of LGBTQ+ themes, particularly in the hit single "High School Confidential." Musically, Mohawk features a blend of new wave, rock, and art-pop influences, characterized by its driving rhythms, synth textures, and Pope's distinctive vocals.

The album was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful in Canada, achieving platinum certification. It is considered a seminal album in Canadian music history and an important contribution to the development of queer representation in popular music. Mohawk helped to establish Rough Trade as a leading act in the Canadian new wave scene and cemented Carole Pope's status as a provocative and influential performer. The album's themes of sexuality and social commentary continue to resonate with audiences today.