The Lowtones feel like rock and roll in the truest sense. Just a few minutes into Front Row Empty, one cursory listen of ‘Let Go’, and I feel absolutely on top of the world. With the entire record being a fairly consistent collection of under three minute long melodic indie rock tunes that have the standard items — brash and energetic drums, achingly powerful vocals, and shimmering guitars, you’d think this would be just another run of the mill record. But there’s something behind the arrangement, behind the performance, and behind the themes they uncover that makes Front Row Empty feel so visceral.
The five piece rock outfit from Norwich formed in the Pandemic. Like many a group in the time, they’ve chosen to discuss and express themselves through concerns and themes of isolation and loneliness. But while those topics may feel withdrawn and minimal, they choose to bring them to life through larger than life arrangements that tap into your most inner core. Across the record, Front Row Empty feels more than it is. They’re unapologetic about themselves, singing in such a distinctive accent and with so much expression. ‘Let the rain at the funeral be heard’ is just such a powerful moment in the record, you start singing along in the second chorus itself.
The Lowtones feel like the kind of band that made me forget all the pains and anxieties I was going through as a child. They have that same kind of purity to their energy, that same rawness to their emotion. I can only hope that a generation of kids find this group and resonate with their emotions. It’s cathartic as hell.