Isobel Campbell

Bow To Love – Cooking Vinyl Ltd.

Isobel Campbell’s latest album, “Bow To Love,” is a shimmering soundscape of woozy beauty, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Campbell’s voice floats like a whisper over gentle acoustic guitar and understated strings, creating a sense of hushed intimacy. The album seems like a time capsule to when she had just left Belle and Sebastian and recorded under the moniker, The Gentle Waves. Slow, poppy, nostalgic, and sentimental – all twee elements that made her and her voice a star.

“Dopamine,” track 7, is pure sonic balm, washing away stress with Isobel Campbell’s gossamer touch. However, beneath this surface tranquility lies a current of quiet defiance. Track 2, “Do Or Die,” injects a shot of adrenaline with its pulsating rhythm and Campbell’s declaration of human resilience. Lyrically, the album tackles social issues and a world grappling with uncertainty. It’s a record that’s acutely aware of the times but chooses to find solace in small acts of defiance and the enduring power of love.

The album leans heavily on its dreamlike atmosphere, fueling a refuge from the chaos of this world – Campbell’s songwriting remains sharp, with witty observations on everything from social media to the state of things. It’s a beautiful album with a bittersweet core, a testament to Campbell’s ability to find hope in all things.

Favorites: 7, 2, 5, 13, 6, 1, and 8.

– (h)earwitness