The first time my ears heard a song from Canadian musician Elizabeth Lowell Boland, who performs under the name Lowell, was from one of my best friends in March 2014 who played me the song “Cloud 69” from Lowell’s debut EP, titled I Killed Sara V. I would like to think the reason my friend knew I would not be able to stop listening to this song is because my friend, who was always the first person I would play any new song or artist I had discovered, knew I loved artists Sleigh Bells, Charli XCX, and Purity Ring, with Lowell’s sound being a mixture of all three artists.
Lowell’s sound is pop infused with dark undertones that mix to create hauntingly beautiful music. I find myself being put into a trance while listening to Lowell’s music with her mesmerizing, high-pitched, layered vocals. The way Lowell carries herself has a similar effect such as in the music video for the song “The Bells.” In what appears to be a one-take music video, Lowell is depicted prancing around a high school football field while nonchalantly swinging a baseball bat in her hands as she continuously keeps her big, brown eyes right on the camera, which radiates a seductive and carefree attitude. All of these elements combine to create a fierce sound and lyrics that grab listener’s attention right off the bat.
The music isn’t the only aspect that is important to Lowell, but another aspect of high importance is the aesthetic. A large reason for this is the fact that Lowell has synesthesia, a rare neurological condition that causes her to associate specific sounds with a specific color. This is apparent in each of her music videos, which are pleasing to the eyes and coordinate perfectly in color with the mood of the song.
We Loved Her Dearly, Lowell’s debut album, was released on September 14, 2014, which includes songs such as “Cloud 69,” “The Bells,” “Palm Trees,” and nine other songs, all combining to create a stand out, empowering, honest pop album. If you are tired of the same old pop songs that play repeatedly on the radio, give this refreshing album a listen.
We Loved Her Dearly is available now here.
