clash bowley
Clash Bowley’s latest opus, Escapee, marks his fourteenth venture into the sonic ether, an impressive feat that underscores the relentless creativity described on his Bandcamp page. Bowley's assertion that music constantly pours out of his mind is palpable here, as the album radiates with an unending flow of ideas.
Opening with "Prisoner," Bowley sets a cool, groovy tone right from the start. The track features cascading vocal lines that intertwine beautifully, backed by airy, atmospheric drums. Bowley's lyrics, "I am a prisoner / A prisoner of love / I wear my shackles proudly / As the sign thereof," resonate with a poignant intensity, and the guitar solo is a standout moment, adding a layer of raw emotion. "Nothing," as its name suggests, embraces minimalism, stripping back the elements to their bare essentials.
In contrast, "Escapee" stands out with its unique flavor, driven by subtle drums and guitar. However, it's Bowley's unconventional vocal approach that truly shines, lending the track an idiosyncratic charm. "Presence" envelops the listener in an otherworldly atmosphere, with vocals that echo as if emanating from a cavern. The bass line here is particularly striking, adding depth and texture.
Other tracks, like "No!" and "Interludes," share this same sense of cohesion, maintaining the album's overarching aesthetic. The album peaks with "Lycan," a song where Bowley’s growling vocals conjure an almost villainous presence—an electrifying performance that arguably crowns it the best track on the album. "Win" closes the album on a deeply personal note, a heart-wrenching tribute to Bowley's late sister who succumbed to cancer. His poignant lyrics, "Listen to the falling rain / It swirls in my ears pushing back the pain / I smile at my triumph and ignore my fears / It's been creeping in for years and years / One step forward two steps back / Take a breath before the attack / It slips in deeper and I have to grin / No matter what I'm going to win," convey a profound mix of sorrow and resilience.
Escapee is a compelling addition to Bowley’s prolific catalog, and it’s a journey well worth taking. Dive into this album and let it carry you through its myriad emotional landscapes.