Isla - “Low”
From New Zealand, Isla has just released the moody, introspective, and gorgeously understated, melancholic pop song “Low.”
The song opens to the reverberated noise of guitar before a falling and rising arpeggio sets the tone for the track. Creating tension and emotion, this strong foundation reminds me of what the James Bond themes songs of the present period do– Billie Eilish and her release, “No Time To Die,” for example. Similarly, the harmonic structure of the song is straightforward, but very effective. It largely uses a minor key, which adds to the sombre and melancholic atmosphere, enhancing the well-written lyrics.
The song grows slowly and gently in dynamics, only taking the odd pause to let lamenting reverberated guitar chords melt into the distance or moody, unusual guitar noises to linger. The brooding dark and stormy atmosphere is given a sense of angst through a subtle ascending guitar arpeggio as the song begins to crescendo. At its climax, the song becomes a slow, swirling and menacing fog of reverb before fading.
Isla’s vocal throughout is haunting and slow-paced. Some notes and tones are sustained, increasing a sense of introspection and vulnerability. The vocal is simply beautiful and soars hauntingly and authentically over the entirety of the arrangement. Isla describes the song’s meaning: ““Low” is about a panic attack in public. How the room starts swimming and I can’t look at faces, and my ears fill up with cotton wool and train whistles all at once.”
Isla has created a gorgeously moody track with “Low.” The tones are gentle, yet menacing and moody and the vocal is delicate and powerful. This is definitely one to check out.