On the surface, ‘Slowly’ might appear as an aural mirage, a piece steeped in hypnotic textures and folk-like tenderness. The keen listener might hazard a guess and declare the single as drenched in escapism and abstract imagery. Well, sort of, but not really. While ‘Slowly’ is indeed inspired by evocative, blissful artists such as Bon Iver and Àsgeir, its overarching lyrical theming is incredibly vivid and brooding, a peek into Go Xo’s reflective songwriting and introspective allure. You see, the American talent writes about his past, doing so with a certain reverence and charisma.
Originally conceived as a post-mortem tribute to a formative year in England in 2016, ‘Slowly’ then morphed into a more comprehensive look at romantic relationships over the years, seeking to find an overall logical thread that would eventually spark a personal reckoning. The song was written while living in the Hawaiian island of O’ahu, a stint of virtuous creativity and lyrical discovery for the now Chicago-based artist. From a sonic standpoint, ‘Slowly’ blooms into existence thanks to gentle acoustic guitars and gradual harmonic soundscapes, only to end at its loudest.
Go Xo’s vocals are quiet yet confident, elegant yet impactful. Boasting an incredibly hazy tone, he’s able to transform an introspective piece into an expansive fever dream. Delving deeper into the complex and grounded artistic ethos that surrounds the song, the talented troubadour explains: “This whole creative process is a process of play and discovery for me. I hope that ‘Slowly’ and other GO XO songs help me change for the better, as well as the people who hear them.”
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