Words by Annie Barber
Aptly titled ‘Through The Window’, Calum Bowie’s debut EP is a breath of fresh air. With both ballads and catchy tracks, the EP serves as a reminder of why the Aberdeenshire-born artist rose to fame so fast. The title pays homage to the origins of his career, when he found TikTok virality by posting videos of himself singing and playing the guitar out of the window of his Edinburgh flat.
The EP opens with an acoustic ballad titled ‘Dream Of My Own’, which is already a fan favourite. The song has a gentle sound and honest lyrics. In the chorus he sings “I don’t need fame, and I’m not chasing any money / I’m just chasing a dream of my own” before a violin comes in, enhancing the emotional feel of the song.
Things pick up with ‘Take Me Home’, with Bowie’s crooning vocals complementing the acoustic guitar. With vulnerable and raw lyrics, Bowie taps into his feelings as he sings about longing to go back to the comforts of his hometown, Banchory. This song has universal relatability, something which Bowie often manages to capture in his observant lyrics.
Uplifting and hopeful, ‘Wherever She Goes’ is an upbeat track with indie undertones. The song is festival-ready with its cheerful sound and is sure to be a hit with the crowds Bowie will be playing to this Summer, at festivals such as Glasgow’s TRNSMT. Lyrics such as “Can’t shake the feeling that I’ve left my best behind / It’s burning like a black hole in my mind”, contrast with the song’s jolly sound and give insight into Bowie’s mind.
‘Stay a While’ is an introspective song, and is more stripped back than the previous tracks on the EP. Lyrics like “I was looking for the sunshine in the middle of a storm” illustrate Bowie’s ability to reflect on his life and translate his experiences and feelings into poetic lyrics. The emotions in this track are palpable and Bowie’s vocals are very strong.
With layered vocals, drums, and folky guitar, ‘Your Anthem’ is a catchy and nostalgic track. Written when he was 15, this acoustic folk-pop song enshrines his experiences of growing up in a small Scottish town and having a close-knit friend group.
The ‘Through The Window’ EP is a celebration of Bowie’s Scottish heritage, with the singer mentioning Edinburgh, Glasgow, and his hometown in Aberdeenshire a number of times. The title is a fitting tribute to the fans who have been with him since the beginning of his career. By drawing on personal experiences, Bowie’s EP charts life’s highs and lows in a series of moving and captivating songs.
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