It’s been three years since Low released Drums and Guns, and now the trio is back with their latest title C’mon. Apparently, it’s the shortest title of any Low album since they first originated in 1993. C’mon is actually a very lax album filled with ten tracks of low-key melodic songs. Comprised of a husband and wife team—Alan Sparhawk on vocals and guitar, and his significant other Mimi Parker on vocals and drums, along with Steve Garrington on bass—Low’s music might be critically acclaimed masterpieces to many, but it wasn’t exactly my cup of tea.

I’m usually down for some down tempo music, but Low’s C’mon was just too slow for me personally. Not knowing much about the band, I read up on the their history, which gave me a better insight into their drowsy sound for C’mon, which was actually recorded in an old Catholic church that was turned into a studio. Hailing from Duluth, Minnesota in an era where grunge ruled the airwaves, Low’s “slowcore” rock would have been a pleasant alternative to the Seattle-based genre back then. However, in 2011, it’s a bit too minimalist with slow-strummed guitar chords, dreary piano keys and monotonous vocals that can have you asleep in no time.

But don’t get me wrong, some of their stuff is musically beautiful and sweet. Take for instance “$20,” an acoustic love song with romantically intriguing lyrics you’d want to dedicate to your loved one on V-day. “Nightingale” was another track that caught my attention and actually got a repeat on my iTunes. It’s a sentimental tune with a very dreamy guitar and piano combination and some very comforting vocals. “Try to Sleep” sounds a bit like “Nightingale,” with its mysterious guitar and piano chords, just a bit faster. What sets this song apart is the vocals, which have this haunting effect that makes you want to close your eyes and literally go into a deep slumber. It’s almost like a bedtime lullaby you’d want to listen to if you ever have insomnia.

Actually, the entire album is filled with lullaby-ish tracks that are a bit sluggish and all sort of sound similar to one another. As the ninth album from Low, C’mon has enchantingly picturesque songwriting, but it may be too instrumentally slow for those who dig electro-heavy tracks filled with thundering percussions and blazing guitars. However, if you’re into the lulling sounds of slowcore and have the desire to get zombied-out, you should check this album out.

Words: Kristie Bertucci

Artist: Low
Album: C’mon
Label: Sub Pop
Release Date: April 12, 2011