LOWE EVOLVER ALBUM MEGAHYPE RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 13, 2011 REVIEW: SEPTEMBER 22, 2011

The Swedish pop trio Lowe has finished their third full length album, called “Evolver”. After their debut album in 2004, Leo, Tobias and Rickard have had some success in in particular eastern Europe, and that’s still their biggest market. It should be interesting to see if this changes with “Evolver”. There is hope, as the music does sound a bit evolved, with even some disco influences at times, especially in my favourite track “Mirage”. The lead single “Breathe in, Breathe out” also shows an uncharacteristic bouncy side of Lowe, as in my mind they usually present a slow, almost dull songwriting style where nothing in particular happens.

Lowe is a band that I have described as “competent”. By this I mean that they are indeed good at what they do, but unfortunately not that exciting. The songs often meander along, and don’t create a big fuss. This has actually changed now, as most of the songs sprints along at a brisk pace. You can still hear the electronic background of the band - Leo and Rickard were in Statemachine - but the change is obvious - this is pop.

For me, Lowe still have some problems though, mainly in creating memorable songs. It’s still too sterile, a bit emotionless. This album is a step in the right direction however.

JOHAN CARLSSON