Newcomer Low Girl launches her debut EP Big Now. Its five tracks act as a collection of separate diary entries paired with an overarching narrative of her struggles with OCD. Alongside various influences ranging from the likes of Phoebe Bridgers, Brockhampton and King Gizzard, this introduction promises to be one of the most relatable and boldest debuts of the year.
“When it comes to the musical side of things, we treated each song as an individual. There is a uniqueness to each track on the EP that read like my diary entries, and as always, I hope people can connect to the songs and find comfort in the way that someone else feels the same.” – Low Girl
The influences mentioned earlier brings a wide scope of genres and moods for Low Girl to take inspiration from. ‘Dead Bird Song’ opens the EP and provides the perfect experience of this. Its dark tone is met with harmonies that wander past stark piano keys, with the slightest hint of electronics in the background. It’s like an emo that likes to cut a rug every now and then. Steeped in sadness but embraces the side that wants to dance. The way it flows so easily into its more electronic side is unbelievable, and the sudden shift into a frantic hammering of drums for the final cascade of sound is excellent.
Lead single ‘Big Now’ runs with this frantic energy and drives the energy home with a rousing performance. The drums are fully prepared to dive straight into the mind, and the addition of synths really ups the tempo. What I love is that the piano keys from ‘Dead Bird Song’ are allowed to roam around this song too. Adding further melodies to the mix that work well against the apathetic vocals.
‘Loveable Maybe’ eases the tempo to bring a slower, mellower instrumental to the ears. Brightening the speakers with ukulele chords and bolstered by the simplest drum beat, it provides space for Low Girl’s vocals to lead the way. Utilising their lo-fi quality to solidify its intimate setting. ‘Okay Someday’ also follows the mellow path, signalling the beginning of acceptance and a willingness to move on. There’s a lot of positivity inside the vocals that eventually bleeds out onto the instrumental too, which leads nicely into the jovial ‘Sertraline’, which details everything beautifully.
Big Now is a fantastic EP. Low Girl has introduced herself as an artist who seems wholly relatable, detailing all of her emotions and experiences with ease, while also blending together numerous influences to produce a sound that can take many forms. It’s immense, one of my favourites of the year.