AS IT SEEMS - ALICE ROWE
By Libby Driscoll
Returning after a pandemic-induced hiatus, Hastings-based singer/songwriter Alice Rowe rejoins the scene with a smooth take on lo-fi and R&B, As it Seems.
As It Seems - Alice Rowe
After the release of her Forseen EP in 2020, Rowe’s sound has strayed from the realms of pop into that of a jazzier, more intricate edge. Drawing influence from an exhibition in London, Rowe explores coming-of-age themes experienced when faced with the adult world.
“I wrote this track after attending an art exhibition in London 'Alice in Wonderland - Curious & Curiouser', the concept was about a girl who struggled to survive the confusing world of adults, she also struggled to come to terms with life and learnt that there are many layers (and) mysteries. It is thought that Alice and several other characters secretly suffer from mental health issues which helped me to come up with the lyric 'behind closed doors you can't see, nothing is ever as it seems' - this is a metaphor for the many doors Alice opens in Wonderland and also for real life where you never know what's truly going on.
After attending the exhibition, I felt that the concept fit with my current thoughts at the time and it felt right that I explore that. I then created the project. The artwork is also inspired by one of the pieces of art in the gallery which I have in my home studio. This track is really exciting for me as I feel like this is where I found my sound.”
- Alice Rowe on As it Seems
Pictured: Alice Rowe
Alongside the personal, yet accessibly welcoming lyrics, the smooth nature of the music truly manifests the trailing atmosphere felt when following a train of thought. The contrast within the arrangement shows bright brassy tones alongside muted synth sections and 808 beats, exposing luscious juxtapositions within its instrumentation. The hints of old-school smooth jazz amongst the modernist take on the genre encompasses a rounded sound of inspiration through its multitude of adaptive sound.
The pre-choruses see the vocals take on their own rhythm as the dynamic between music and vocals lifts the lyrics to the spotlight. Rowe’s voice, harmonising with head and chest tones, add an element of ASMR-like satisfaction to the mix. Though the lyrics travel on the deeper side of topics, Rowe still incorporates a bit of Gen-Z style slang with lines like, ‘you know it’s a vibe, but don’t get it twisted’, allowing the chilled nature to walk hand-in-hand with the heavier aspects of growth and coming-of-age.
As it Seems is a perfect return for Alice Rowe, showing artistic growth and compositional maturity. The single is a small component of a larger upcoming project, Nothing is Ever As It Seems, and hints at a stirring comeback for the singer/songwriter.