In a world of disposible pop music and reality TV talent shows, Manchester has always stood apart as one of the last bastions of individual creativity.
A city renowned for its musical prowess over the years, its roster of incredible artists stretches far beyond Messrs Gallagher, Marr and Morrissey these days.
One such artist is Sara Lowes, a songstress who, after what seems like an eterinity playing for others, is now ready to go her own way.
Lowes returns to Manchester’s live circuit on Wednesday with a hotly-anticipated show at Kraak in the Northern Quarter.
The gig will be the first chance for her adopted home city to hear material from her eagerly awaited new album The Joy of Waiting.
Always a girl in demand – and with friends in high places including BBC 6Music presenters Marc Riley and Stuart Maconie – Lowes has spent much of the last few months putting the finishing touches to her new album, the first fruits of which were released earlier this year to some very rave reviews.
A long-established session musician, Lowe’s talents have crossed many a musical path playing for bands and artists such as The Earlies, King Creosote, Daniel Johnston and Marina And The Diamonds, to name but a few.
Garnering comparisons to the sass of Debbie Harry and the airy vocals of Alison Goldfrapp, Lowes’ songs bubble with everything from the primordial soup of Technicolor pop to acoustic folk, through jazz, and kaleidoscopic prog.
New single Chapman Of Rhymes is out later this month and Lowes will be keeping herself busy with packed schedule of other projects between now and the turn of the new year including an appearance at special 36-hour event at Swansea Grand Theatre celebrating legendary poet Dylan Thomas’ centenary year!
Support comes from Plank. Made up of guitarist and synth player Dave Rowe, bassist Edward Troup and drummer, Liam Stewart, the band focus on an electronically expressive sound borne out of a respect to the likes of 70s Krautrock pioneers Neu!, Cluster and Harmonia, alongside more wilfully expansive rock and mind bending electronics.
Tickets for the gig, priced at £6, are available by clicking here.
