If you caught my reviews of Flo Crowe & The Dilemmas’ singles That Was That and Shy Girl last year, then you’ll know that I’ve already marked them out as a real find.

By Graeme Smith

That reputation has now been cemented by the release of their debut self-titled album.

Flo Crowe & The Dilemmas is an ambitious thirteen track opening statement from a band who are destined for great things. That statement is one of connection and community – in all its forms – a subject close to frontwoman and songwriter Flo Crowe’s heart. She has personally described her group as “a shelter.”

What marks the Cornwall-based collective out are their unique approach to pop rock and astute songwriting. Crowe deploys layers of irony in her poetic lyrics, and the group aren’t afraid to mix it up with composition. Across the album the soft and acoustic trade places with the saturated and pulsating.

Given this approach – and the band’s collective young age – I can’t help but draw a comparison with Let’s Eat Grandma. I also detected hints of Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy in the opening transition between Oyez and Bigger & Brighter. The latter feeds seamlessly into See Saw, a technique that forms a through current across the album.

Other highlights include the bold, brassy, and meaningful When The Sun Beats Down, the aforementioned That Was That and album focus track Anti Sociable which captures the conflict of the album’s themes perfectly.

Flo Crowe & The Dilemmas is a must listen for anyone craving a fresh and alternative voice in the world of modern pop. It’s out now, and you can listen to it below.

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