Song review: Disappearing, second single from Low’s upcoming HEY WHAT
Minnesota-based indie band Low will release their 13th studio album, and seventh on acclaimed label Sub Pop, HEY WHAT next month on September 10.
After releasing the first single, “Day Like These” from the upcoming LP earlier this summer, the eccentric duo gifted public ears with the second single “Disappearing,” a trance-like, operatic number with dreamy electronic delivery and folk appeal.
Multi-disciplinary artist Dorian Wood directed the group’s new video, and had this to say about making the video, “I am incredibly thrilled to have created this video for Low. I’ve been such a fan for years. I was inspired to offer a personal glimpse of what I’d been up to during the pandemic year.
I’ve been doing art modeling on the side for years, mostly for art schools. Once the schools physically shut down due to Covid, I was invited to pose for dozens of virtual classes. I borrowed a friend’s empty guest room and twice a week I would set up my laptop and lights and pose for three hours at a time. During these long stretches of time, I’d lose myself in thought while delivering poses that best showcased all this fat brown beauty. In my mind, I traveled to places and memories, and in the case of “Disappearing”, I not only visited the ocean in my mind, I became it.
Even at its most empowering and meditative, a modeling session was often a reminder of how lonely one can feel when the other humans in the room immediately vanish once the laptop shuts down. And still, a semblance of hope always lingered. We shot the video at Human Resources, a performance space in L.A. which also served as a creative sanctuary for me during the pandemic year. There’s a lot of ‘coming home’ love in this video. I’m honored to be able to share this love.”
The Duluth couple, Mimi Parker and Alan Sparhawk, explore meditative reverberation and reflexive resonation with “Disappearing.” Juxtaposed with heavy guitar, a somber and melancholy tone is laced with subliminal, coded optimism. The line, “That disappearing horizon/It brings cold comfort to my soul,” best conveys the overall mood established, and built upon throughout the track through a minimalist, sludgy ambiance.
Low’s longevity lies in their ability to evolve with subtlety. “Disappearing” covers so much musical space with so little. If the first two releases from HEY WHAT are any indicator, Low’s latest LP could be a much-needed delight for the fall.
Low have announced two album release shows on September 10th and 11th at Square Lake, outside the twin cities in their home state of Minnesota. The group has invited a diverse group of artists to join them including Joe Rainey Sr., Gaelynn Lea, and Austin-based act, Lord Friday the 13th. These shows are in addition to the previously announced 30-date world tour beginning in March 2022, with UK and European dates to follow in May. Click here for a full list of shows.
HEY WHAT is now available for preorder on CD/LP/CS/DSPs from Sub Pop. LP preorders from megamart.subpop.com, select independent retailers in North America and in the U.K, and Europe will receive the limited Loser Edition on clear vinyl (while supplies last).
