England’s Devon County offers much more to the world than its picturesque views and medieval towns; it has gifted us one of 2016’s biggest musical anticipations, artist and feminist, Rosie Lowe. With a trail of acclaimed tracks to her name, Lowe is set to win the hearts of those who are yet to hear her vibes on February 19, with the release of her debut album, Control.
Taking a long hard look at the external pressures of felinity and feminine identity, Rosie Lowe doesn’t pull her punches with Woman.
Control is an album that transcends the barriers usually imposed on artists by genre, with Lowe saying (to genres and the patriarchy alike), “I do what I want” (Not literally. Well she might have, we can’t be sure). You can hear her defiance for genre throughout all her tracks, with artists as polar opposite as The xx and The Weeknd resonating within your brain as she continues to hit her synthesiser keys along with her soulful harmonies.
Lowe’s personal profile is a heavyweight contender as to why she is so popular among her fans. Lowe’s lyrics explore feminist issues in an unapologetic way, not sugar coating anything and definitely not afraid of making some men weep because something wont be about them for the first time ever. Her song, Woman, explores the pressures that women feel throughout various stages in their lives.
“It’s so young that it starts / expectations are too far to reach”, explores the birth of insecurities in young girls, particularly in relation to their physical appearance and intellectual ability. “I can’t be a mad woman” unpacks the daily struggle that women face with being labeled “crazy”, “shrill” and “over-reactive” as they simply try and prove a point, or talk about something they are passionate and knowledgeable about at their work places, in their education systems and in their own homes. “I find myself obsessing about imperfections that only I can see / And I know it’s such a waste but the pressure is getting to me,” exhibits Lowe’s frustration with her own socialization, and that unlearning it is difficult but not impossible.
Lowe continues to load her feminist gun and fire, with her songs “Worry Bout Us” and “Who’s That Girl?” all intended to empower women and girls while simultaneously not making men the core subject of all her songs. Lowe is able to balance on the tightrope of “opinionated, yet approachable”. The music that accompanies her heavy lyrics has cordiality that ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy and take out of her music. Strongly recommend “Water Came Down”; it is prime material for jiving.
You can preorder Control on iTunes right now, this very second. You’ll be rewarded with three instant great tracks and thought provoking lyrics to start your new year of new music.
