LOWE TENANT ALBUM MEGAHYPE RELEASE: NOVEMBER 10, 2004 REVIEW: NOVEMBER 15, 2004

It is easy to see why Stockholm trio Lowe has caused a stir within the alternative/electronic genre. They are pure quality straight through. Every little detail is cared for in a way only common for chastened studio perfectionists. Jörgen Josefsson's polished vocals have enough emotional bite to awaken both slumbering electro heads and mainstream pop listeners, as his ability to vary his approach is wildly impressive. There is a big "but" coming, though.
"Tenant", in all its technical perfection, does not work fully in the long run, sadly. Lowe's melancholic Depeche Mode-Kent compromise never captures the emotions so closely connected with these insanely popular bands. Lowe were almost there when the single "The Vanishing" came out, a brooding mid-tempo electropop journey with a sharp guitar melody carbon copied from the locked Kent vaults. Most of the other, if not all, tracks have their moments; sequences that are mind-blowingly beautiful. However, Lowe needs stronger song material. No producing heritage or experiences from other successful constellations (Statemachine) can save them from that fact. But it sounds fantastic.

NIKLAS FORSBERG