Lily Lowe - Beautiful Disaster (2026) [Hi-Res]

Lill Sofie Wilsberg – the titular Lily Löwe -is clearly a talent to be reckoned with. Formed to take on Europe as Norway’s Eurovision entry a few years back, the band (and the singer) have quickly established themselves as an entity worth watching. The next big thing out of Norway? I couldn’t possibly say, although on the evidence of this rabble-rousing new self-released album you’d say Lill has more than a fighting chance.

Backed by a slick set of musicians who click into gear early and don’t let up, Wilsberg more than proves she’s got the chops to go all the way on bruising metal and vulnerable balladic fayre alike; At times the music is a little generic (although if you like mid nineties radio friendly nu-metal that won’t be a problem), but she has more than enough personality to cover the cracks even if the same can’t be said for some of the tunes.

The title track (sadly not a cover of the Kelly Clarkson classic) is up there with the best this album has to offer, whilst Glitter & Gore and Puppet Master are also impressive, with guitarists Adrian Sunde Bjerketvedt (also to be found backing the inimitable Jorn Lande on occasion) and Stian Hansen deploying some formidable firepower over the rock solid rhythms of Eiliv Sagrusten (Drums) and bassist Patrik Svendsen.

The relatively stripped-back, simplistic nature of the songs is a boon here rather than a hindrance. Songs get to their (usually pretty memorable) choruses quickly and with a minimum of fuss, and you’ll find yourself absent mindedly humming them as you go about your business without even realising you’ve taken the bait, which is always a good sign. Lily herself oozes star quality, but she’s got the voice to back it up and, with maybe a little more sophistication in the song department next time around her future looks assured.