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Multi-instrumentalist, LOWSWIMMER, has put out his latest record, Godspeed, Fantasy. LOWSWIMMER is the moniker of Ed Tullett, an artist who not only, is a songwriter, producer, and performer, but has taken part in multiple projects both in the forefront and behind the scenes which include HAILAKER and NOVO AMOR. What sets apart LOWSWIMMER is the fact that this is something written, produced, and recorded entirely in isolation outside of small snippets provided by friends and fellow artists.
With Godspeed, Fantasy Tullett wanted to create something that, in his own words, has a “everything-is-limitless vibe”, with the sole aim being to make it dreamlike. A feat very much succeeded from the start with opening track Off-Centre that starts out with soft, unfocused vocals mixed with gentle synths before the main vocals come in with an electronic filter, something that appears on each song on the record. This is then contrasted with an acoustic guitar that not only compliments but elevates the track further to create something that not only feels sweet but also makes you feel hopeful about life. Another recurring theme on this record.
In a nutshell, this album is very much within the realm of dream-pop and shoegaze, yet the emotions displayed cannot be easily summarised. While, sure, each track has its own unique way to make you feel calm and hopeful, you can find yourself exploring feelings that very juxtapose those words. Whether it’s the melancholic nature of Easydoes with the low and slow synths paired with ethereal sounds effects, yet as the song progresses you find yourself envisioning yourself standing in awe of a beautiful; or the cool and confident Open Season which has an incredible bassline, yet once again contradicted with something gentle when acoustic guitar and piano come in. Potentially a representation of the belief that everything will work out in the end.
Yet the main highlights of the record are just the incredible compositions that are driven by a pop melody, which include Pleasures, a dream-pop track with keyboard and, we think, a flute that then brings in alternative indie-rock elements; Oh, Completely, a track that goes between spoken word and higher pitched vocals that are brought together with a drum and bass styled composition; and closing track Sojourn, another song with ethereal sounds and piano that acts as a full circle to the style of the opening track, Off-Centre. A beautiful record that embraces your emotions, no matter how dark they might be, and leaves you feeling hopeful. One could say a healing experience.
Rating: 8/10
Godspeed, Fantasy is out now via self-release.
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The post ALBUM REVIEW: Godspeed, Fantasy – Lowswimmer appeared first on Distorted Sound Magazine.
