Showing a brooding yet melodic sound reminiscent of The Cure, Front Row Empty is the debut EP from The Lowtones, a 5-piece from Norwich, UK. They have been active throughout Norwich in the past year, performing on the BBC Introducing Stage at Wild Paths Festival, and headlining their own show at Voodoo Daddy’s Showroom. The EP’s April 23rd release coincided with a headline show in Norwich.
Written as a way to express feelings after experiencing heartbreak, Front Row Empty bleeds with emotion throughout, particularly in regard to yearning, fear, and anxiety. “Alone, all over again,” the anthemic hook rings out on the stellar track “Alone,” its post-punk guitar reverberations and hypnotic vocals capturing the band’s sound well. The act’s gripping dark post-punk mood is wonderfully evident on “Funeral,” parts The Cure and The Chameleons UK. Opening lyrics depicting a funeral setting are accompanied by murky guitars, the eventual guitar twangs driving to the “let the rain at the funeral be heard / let the rain wash away the bloodstain,” resonance.
Fully convincing with its dark rock melodics and post-punk rhythmic charm, Front Row Empty is a riveting success from The Lowtones.
Stream Front Row Empty below:
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“Funeral” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of May 2022’ Spotify playlist.
