‘SEVEN’ is the sophomore EP from Northern rising pop star, Lois. Hailing from Morecambe, the artist has been making waves across the North – with nods from BBC Introducing Leeds and Sheffield and supporting gigs for the likes of Etta Marcus. With origins from 2023, the five-track release muses personal loss and change, as well as offering implacable exploration of more public, resonating themes. Lois cites the muse as “experiences between late teens and becoming an adult” and the metamorphic album mirrors its newly-independent roots; the release marks two years since Lois’ primary release and following label departure.
Her latest project was introduced through two singles: ‘MINE’ (review here) and ‘SEVEN’. The titular track certainly earns its pedestal. Playful and light, the nostalgia-driven track is elevated by an addictive, mellow breakdown – arguably offering a standout of ‘SEVEN’s entirety. Lois, alongside co-producer Jules Konieczny gifts a perfectly crafted amalgamation of distorted vocals and funky baselines; the product is the pinnacle of her appeal – described by BBC Introducing as “An absolute masterclass in modern pop”.
Halfway through ‘SEVEN’, you’ll encounter ‘PHOENIX’. Those who champion songwriting are likely to crown it as the mountain’s peak. Preceding the melodic risings and comedowns of the four remaining tracks, ‘PHOENIX’ is stark. It elucidates today’s female experience with impressive resoluteness. Assiduous spoken word brings commendable clarity; the sweet whispers of underestimation and frustration are reduced to angelic, anaphoric lilts. At the song’s midpoint, Lois overrides these grievances with assertion of femininity: “a trust you’ll never earn, a world of feeling [that] carries us in darkness” Her steadfast addressal of social issues can be likely attributed to the liberation of independent artistry. This vividity of intent is a throughline of ‘SEVEN’, echoed within production so precise it becomes vehicular and lyrical brevity.
“…from [leaving her previous label] I found this sense of euphoria and freedom that I can just be anything and write anything“
‘LOVE YOU BETTER’ is the penultimate pop offering. A lighter, more trad-pop track serves as ‘PHOENIX’s comedown. From the ashes, we see Lois intricately demonstrate her vocal talents. Undulation through different natural voices and digital effects compose a showcase that feels a sonic privilege. Some may hear kinships to predecessors like Maggie Rogers and HAIM. Though, when song after song spotlights successive areas of expertise – ‘PHOENIX’ sees Lois becomes an indisputable forerunning architect of modern pop.
As the EP draws to a close, we’re presented with the most mellow, stripped-back track. ‘APRIL SHOWERS’, inspired by the transformative nature of our smallest decisions – “all of the whats, ifs, and maybes”. Though dynamics begin low and music largely acoustic, Lois’ artistic resolution does not peter out. A powerful bridge, urgently rhapsodic breaks out. Driven by bright piano and heavy drums, ‘APRIL SHOWERS’ seemingly projects ‘SEVEN’s entire ethos. There’s an indisputable significance in the doubtless intent on this chosen, crescendo ending; Lois is not holding back, yet we’re unabashedly certain she has much left to give. The lyric, “it’s a rainbow to a storm” perfectly sums the release – the birth of something new, something promising.