Sara Lowes – All for the Dream | EP review

British singer-songwriter Sara Lowes has released two albums to date, receiving some pretty impressive reviews in the UK. She’s worked with some impressive artists, too: last year Lowes joined the live band for Marina and the Diamonds for her second album release Electra Heart and supported Coldplay on their Europe and America tours. She’s recorded and performed with artists such as Jim Noir, King Creosote and Micah P Hinson and she sang backing vocals for Jesca Hoop. It’s been two years since her sensational Back to Creation album and Lowes is back with a five-track EP All for the Dream (With the Means of a Well Planned Getaway), released through Red Deer Club.

The EP’s lead track I Find You opens dramatically with an array of harmonious violin melodies, atmospheric keyboard sounds and rumbling electric guitars. In comes a groovy bass lick and Lowes’ sultry, doubled-up vocals and it’s clear to see why she’s been a popular choice among big artists – her voice is soothing, powerful and really quite seductive. While the drums on this track are repetitive and unremarkable, Lowe’s impeccable vocals are the main attraction and primary focus here.

Little Fishy opens with a heavenly chorus of angelic vocals, the dynamic gradually building to another poppy, funky instrumental reminiscent of 1960s elevator music. Lowes drops in with a charming lyrical hook, cooing “On the end of my line, little fishy of mine heading straight to my plate,” and you can’t help but sing along. Nearing almost six minutes, the tempo and volume vary throughout the song, creating a whirlwind of moods and making for refreshingly captivating music.

On the Run concludes the EP – and it really goes out with a bang. Featuring epic, dramatic instrumentals, Lowes sounds like a British Nancy Sinatra and this final song could be the soundtrack for a 60s espionage thriller. It certainly gives the feel of being “on the run”.

This is an eclectic EP to say the least, and it showcases Lowes’ many musical influences. While one can’t help but sense a lack of focus or direction in All for the Dream, we can hope for this in the album that’s sure to follow. A glorious vocalist, Lowes is definitely one to watch this year.

Gemma Whitfield

All for the Dream is released on 17^th June 2013. For further information or to order the album visit Sara Lowes’s website here.

Listen to I Find You here: