Review Summary: Sleuth is the inner workings of one man amplified by the full band sound of Low Totem.
Sleuth is inner workings of one man amplified by the full band sound of Low Totem. The band harness influence from classical music, jazz and rock to create their unique sound and they offer an element of intrigue in the same way as bands like Alt J do. The creativity of the band extends beyond the music, with their online posts and merchandise tied together aesthetically. The release of their debut single was long awaited after the band have drip fed green-washed images online for months, giving nothing away but always building up to this moment.
Countless individual components are layered to create a backdrop for the vocals, perfectly intertwined despite their complexity, always building in intensity as they foreshadow the tracks climax. The song ends with a crescendo of emotion, heavy drone and twinkling piano. Strings weave in and out alongside lyrics and vocals that are weighted with madness and grit.
The first release suggests a promising future for Low Totem so long as they can continue to focus their enthusiasm and talent.