RADAR: Sara Lowes

Despite a glowing four-star review in Brit music bible Q, British songwriter Sara Lowes' 2011 debut album Back to Creation remains something of a lost gem of shiny (sm)art/pop appeal. While the Manchester-based performer has kept the bills paid as a touring and session keyboardist, her own musical vision deserves its own time in the fleeting spotlight. The sound is fresh and genre-blurringly diverse, a mix of melodic, sometimes delicate, often careening, indie flair and extraordinary musicianship. The arrangements, most notably on the driving "I Wish" and brass-powered "Something I Don't Know", have a sleek veneer and and rich instrumental filling, Lowe's cooly distant vocals generating just enough heat to keep things simmering nicely. The twisting title track displays Lowe's keyboard prowess and, past the intro, an ear for a Steely-Dan accented, jazzy chord progression and off-beat time signature. Stream the full album at her website - live videos after the jump.

Sara Lowes - "Back to Creation" (from the album Back to Creation)

Sara Lowes - "Something I Don't Know" (from the album Back to Creation)