Susie Dawson-Howe – underwater (2024)
With an eagerness to share raw emotion in sophisticated melodies, singer-songwriter Susie Dawson-Howe offers solace to audiences using tender music. At only 20 years of age, people might consider Dawson-Howes to be the “young adult who doesn’t know much about anything” – how wrong we are. Despite her youth, Dawson-Howe’s music oozes profound reflection, insight, poignancy and sincerity. She reached our ears a few months ago with her debut single ‘narcissus pool’; today, we take a gander at her EP underwater.
Following her well-received ‘narcissus pool’ – also the first song off underwater – Dawson-Howes delves into life in all its grit and glory. In ‘narcissus pool’, she offers an “insightful reflection of the painful tearing apart of friends…”, and with ‘occam’s razor’ she touches on feelings of self-doubt when entering college – “…struggling to find her footing as an artist…” From beginning to end, Dawson-Howes details her coming-of-age transformation and transition with raw autobiographical flair; as if we were reading an entry from her very personal diary.
Lyrically, the EP is weighty as powerful emotions exude from the poetic, intimate words. Penned during the ages of 16 and 19 years, underwater “…grapples with Dawson-Howe’s struggle with self-identity and finding out who she is… being unsure of one’s place in the world… and struggling to keep your head above water…” Yet, as evocative as the lyrics may be – like that diary entry – the melody breathes life into the overall theme of, well, life.
While the Irish songstress was introduced with the indie-folk leanings of ‘narcissus pool’, underwater is an eclectic collection of various styles, sounds, and eras. Contemporary vibes flow throughout the EP; however, despite the modern-day connection, rushes of vintage melody add the intrigue of genre diversity. Think of a silvery sonic ribbon threading from the 1980s, through the 90s and landing in 2024 – this is underwater.
I hesitate to say Dawson-Howes has a signature sound as there are various facets to her emerging music, but I hear a strong folk-pop tone running throughout the four tracks. Yet, while she might be compared to Lizzie McAlpine or Olivia Rodrigo, she showcases her talent from indie-rock, folk-pop, indie-folk, and even a hint of soul peeking through some cracks. Interestingly, while underwater takes you on a rollercoaster ride through different styles, a constant sense of vulnerability, fragility, and innocence oozes from Dawson-Howe’s vocals.
Each of the four tracks on underwater offers a separate side to Dawson-Howe’s emerging sound, so it is rather difficult to choose a favourite. For me, I’m torn between the folk-pop ballad ‘underwater’ and the heavier rock-tinged ‘occam’s razor’. Each is powerful and hard-hitting in its own way – just like Dawson-Howes is unforgettable in her own way.
Sincere, sentimental, tender and reflective, listening to underwater is like having an intimate conversation with your best friend. Warm, rich and calming, but with a hint of “oh that sucks”, underwater is a chat you wish would never end. I cannot wait for more from this exciting new artist.
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Listen to more folk-pop melodies on The Other Side Reviews Folk Pop playlist:
