Lowe

"Evolver" (Album, 2011)

Megahype/WTII Records

Lowe sound a bit like Depeche Mode. Evolver resonates with Violator. If you’re already a follower of this Swedish electronic pop act then you will love this. If you’ve never heard them then this would be a great place to start. Whilst they lack that something special that would place them firmly in the top tier of acts, Lowe do their thing really well. It does sound a bit derivative but it draws from a load of great sources of inspiration so the outcome is a welcome addition to the genre.

I’ve only ever seen Lowe live and have never actually listened to a complete album before this review copy turned up. I can easily see how someone partial to their sound might immerse themselves in their work completely. It is pretty rock solid as a proposition and touches of quality (whether that is the production or the accompanying artwork design) have long been a defining characteristic that definitely sets them above many of their peers. Evolver confirms that position quite impressively and is chock full of memorable songwriting from start to finish. 7/10

Rob Dyer (December 2011)

"Breathe In Breathe Out" (Single, 2011)

Megahype/WTII Records

Three track single from the new album Evolver showcasing the title track in two versions. There’s also a 3rd Day remix of another album track Alpha Bravo. Breathe In Breathe Out is instantly catchy and memorable and therefore the perfect choice for a single. First up is the four-minute Single mix that expertly pushes all the quality electronic pop buttons. The Extended version manages to fairly effortlessly fill out the best part of seven minutes such is the underlying strength of this track. Final song Alpha Bravo (3rd Day RMX) pumps up the distortion from otherwise quite mellow source material but comes in shorter than its album counterpart. All comes presented in eye-catching artwork that faintly recalls Talk Talk’s moth sleeve designs from the 1980s. Also comes ina MCD version with six tracks featuring Mirage and Live To Love - again both on the long player. 7/10

Rob Dyer (December 2011)