JANUARY 11, 2021
WRITTEN BY AUTUMN MARTIN

COLLEEN DOW DEBUTS THEIR NEW ETHEREAL SINGLE "BUMBUM"

PHOTO BY KAY DARGS

Colleen Dow released their third single as a solo artist on January 11th titled “Bumbum”. The single is being released through Michigan’s indie label Count Your Lucky Stars, and this song specifically was produced and recorded by Abe Anderson. Colleen Dow is originally part of the indie pop-punk band Thank You, I’m Sorry, but has now branched out into their own style and sound as a solo artist. Their new music isn’t so abruptly different from the band’s, that any fan of Thank You, I’m Sorry will be overwhelmed and put out by the sound, but it is a lot different. The direction of their newest single (and two previously released singles “Periwinkle” and “Sorry”) takes on a much more electronically experimental pop sound.

Colleen’s vocals as a solo artist are similar to those heard in Thank You, I’m Sorry, but instead of them being paired with the sound of drums and guitars, they float over pianos, twinkling guitars, and soft effects created by synths. “Bumbum” begins with gentle finger picking, then Colleen’s hazy voice appears with an effect like it’s coming through an old radio. Collen’s voice is very reminiscent of the voice of girl in red. They both have a very longing sound to their voices, who also carefully drag on every word and syllable into the next so you can hear every emotion. Although Colleen Dow may be going in more of a pop direction, they have made soft, electronic, and dreamy indie pop music that holds up with the rest of the indie pop genre.  

The song “Bumbum” specifically is a melancholy song about hope and despair. With the vocal effect and music of plucking guitars and pianos, it creates a daydream-like aspect for Colleen who is singing and those who are listening. Colleen repeatedly sings “bumbum” for the entire chorus, giving casualness to those thoughts of laying in bed, as the single’s artwork suggests, and worrying about their life with someone else. Melodically, this one repeated “word” is the best part of the song, and where the beat picks up slightly while still keeping it’s dreamy quality. Colleen is wondering if who they’re singing about is scared, as well about if they will last- a relatable concern as she asks the question “do you worry about this all fading away”. The song feels like an inner-monologue of anyone who has ever been attached to another person turned into a song. 

“Bumbum” is a short, simple song that may be emotional, but is still enjoyable to listen to and be happy from it’s dreamy indie-pop vibes. ​