Glow

Over the course of 2020’s COVID-19 lockdown, Alice Phoebe Lou spent more time alone than she ever had. She also fell hopelessly in love, had her heart torn in two, and experienced something she terms an “ego death,” while still being able to dig deep and create. These are the experiences that fuel the fire of Glow, underpinned by the alternative pop singer’s distinct warbling vocal. Over the course of 12 tracks, her unapologetic feminism (“Dirty Mouth”) and lyrical prowess (“Dusk”) are wrapped in delicate piano melodies (“Only When I”), bright synthscapes (“Lonely Crowd”), and a range of minimalistic bluesy and indie-rock guitar riffs (“Mother’s Eyes,” “Velvet Mood”) that only further serve to highlight the album’s emotional complexities.