Lily of the Sea Brings A Timeless Sound To Her Newly Released Album ‘Slow Violence’

“On Slow Violence, Lily of the Sea expresses her powerful vocals and dynamic instrumentation which oscillate between raw intensity and vulnerable softness.

Mixed media artist and musician Lily McMahan has released her debut album Slow Violence today as part of her project Lily of the Sea. She explores a variety of topics – the lines between human and environment, collective unconscious in bodily experience, climate grief, and femininity.

A cool, raspy vocal takes the lead on opening track The Fruit Tree. This drives the grunge mood into a powerful expression of an internal battle – And as the flood tapered off/I felt a sharp cut/weight drop/all my worst thoughts drifted off. Dear Trudence is where Fontaines D.C. meets Hole. It’s an adrenaline-inducing melody; high energy with a moment of softness and vulnerability. Title track Slow Violence features a heavy beat and addictive guitar hook. The long notes showcase phenomenal range and breath control.

Following track Hey Now holds a classically upbeat tune, encompassing a fast tempo and rich instrumentation. Speaking on the track, Lily of the Sea said:

“Hey Now is lyrically rooted in the natural world, exploring catharsis and overwhelm through the rawness of grunge-inspired vocals. My work explores the manifestations of tension, in relationships both personal and global; weaving together archetypal, nature-based writing, and the slow, intentional making methods for all associated visuals.”

Delicate is a sinister melody where the vocals act as the narrator for the story. The repetition of she didn’t listen follow by she should’ve listened is enticing and uncovers the rocky relationship between past and present. Honeycomb is one of the songs on Slow Violence that best represents the crisp, natural production. The rhythm mirrors the emotion beautifully.

A lighter instrumentation, including vocals in some moments, is found on Fell A Star. A chilling tension is built in the midst of this Pixies-esque melody which marks the interlacement of this lighter feeling verses a heavier grunge sound once again. Final track Again consists of an immersive nature, with similar shifts in atmosphere to previous melodies on the album. Slow Violence is fashionably brought to a close with minimal instrumental and a clear focus on the vocals.

You can listen to Slow Violence here: