ROWE / New EP: 'Make It Loud & Clear' Review

Stop! the full EP of Make It Loud & Clear by ROWE is out now on all streaming platforms! There are a total of five tracks, and they’re all catchy, fun bops that you should check out. ROWE might describe themselves as pretty boy pop-pun, but they are more than that; they’re an artist with a story, and if you just listen closely, you might hear what they’re trying to tell you. Lyrics are the essence of a song and are what make it so authentic. Artists draw from life experiences and write to relate to their audience. 

That’s what makes this entire EP such a beautiful listen. Each one of these tracks is an anthem of itself for different moments in time, but together, they tell a story; a story about life and what it means to truly live it. 

Diving into the first track, it is called “Brand New Shoes” and that’s exactly what it’s about, but more! The lines of “I’ve been around this town too long” and “I’m running out of time” express the feeling for change and the need to explore which cuts into the chorus where ROWE sings “I got my brand new shoes and nothing to lose, I don’t need a goddamn thing from you.” The “you” could imply another person and a toxic relationship, but it feels like so much more than that. It reads more as breaking free from old habits and how, instead of longing for more, it’s time for new shoes and risks. Risks are the backbone to life because without them, life stays at a standstill. Brand new shoes take time to break in, but they are often the right choice because old shoes get ratty and thin. 

This track starts slow and quiet, then the vocals start jumping in right on the beat along with the guitar and drums. The overall beat is relatively repetitive until the changes to the chorus hooks in, and then there are different guitar riffs. This song is the anthem to the EP because, if you wanna live life right, you gotta make it loud and clear. Life is meant to be lived with passion.

Another standout track on this EP is “Bored,” and it is not going to make you feel that way at all. It kicks off from the start with that guitar and a distorted voice before it smoothly transitions into the vocals. Similarly to “Brand New Shoes,” this track is about finding you, but it’s also about the waiting time. Life can be so boring if you sit around waiting. You can’t expect the adventure to find its way into your path if you aren’t looking for it. Without adventure, you get bored. Don’t get bored. Signs do not exist, and it’s up to you to break free of the mundane moments. 

Through each track and story about life, remember not to let those obstacles stop you from finding purpose and memories. But also remember you have to create ones’ own destiny; nothing comes to you without trying. You gotta find those brand new shoes and pave that path out of boredom.

ROWE has created a beautiful story that is told through his relatable lyrics with punchy guitar riffs. The intertwined sound is beautifully and carefully curated within each word and beat, all individual songs, but one completed EP. The story fits together like puzzle pieces, he is saying it loud and clear, to give it a listen. Listen to the whole thing and take in his words. This EP might be your new favorite. 

Review by Carrie Bergan