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Writer's pictureTamara Jenna

The Tidal Force of Kete Bowers' "BlackWater": A Cinematic Journey Through Folk's Emotional Landscape


"BlackWater" Cover Art: Moody and evocative cover art for Kete Bowers' single "BlackWater," with shadowy aquatic depths reflecting the song's complex emotional terrain.
"BlackWater" Cover Art
Merseyside's Own Kete Bowers Dives Deep into the Soul with "BlackWater," Offering a Haunting Prelude to His Upcoming Album.


Merseyside has another sonic gem. Yup, Kete Bowers is at it again, coming straight out of Birkenhead and into our playlists, this artist has unfurled two fresh tracks for 2023, "BlackWater" and "Holy Night," recorded in the intimate corners of his home studio. And wait, let's not forget, this is the same fella who turned heads with his 2019 album, "Paper Ships."


Born on the Mersey's banks and molded by the grit of Northern England, Bowers has weathered storms and come back fighting with pure intention of musically succeeding. We're talking about a bloke who lost a financial backer days before hitting the studio, only to bounce back by finding another record label in Canada. He's got resolve, and it bleeds through his soul and into his pen.


Bowers' latest songs are like a pint of stout: dark, rich, and leaving you pondering life's big questions. "BlackWater" and "Holy Night" extend an invitation to plumb emotional depths, and let me tell you, it's an invitation you don't want to turn down. His songwriting is something that grabs you, almost like he's whispering secrets in your ear.


It's the kind of music that one might really feel deep in one's soul. We're talking a smorgasbord of genres here: Acoustic Alt-Folk, a dash of Americana, a sprinkle of Indie Folk, and a healthy measure of Blues. The mood? Let's call it nostalgia with a dark undertone.


"BlackWater" Promo Shot: Kete Bowers in a promotional image for "BlackWater," shrouded in darkness with a spotlight illuminating his face, mirroring the song's introspective mood.
"BlackWater" Promo Shot: Kete Bowers in a promotional image for "BlackWater"

Now let's delve into his latest single release 'BlackWater'. Where better to start than with the sonic experience? The moment you press play, you're greeted with an opening that's as dark as a moonless night, cinematic like a Tarantino flick, and suspenseful enough to make Hitchcock nod in approval. Reminiscent of stepping into an empty theatre, where the air is thick with anticipation. is where it all rests. And then it happens. The strumming of folk-natured acoustic guitar fills the room, sensual and emotive, bringing Kete Bowers' world just a smidgen closer to ours. It's like the first rays of dawn breaking through a long night.


Here's where it gets interesting. The vocal performance is both dominant and underestimated. It doesn't scream for your attention; it doesn't have to. It subtly commands the stage, filling up the room yet leaving just enough space for the instrumentation to breathe. It's the kind of voice that tells you it knows its strength but doesn't flaunt it.


'BlackWater' is a song that you can't help but intentionally listen to, getting lost in the lyrics and acoustic craftsmanship.


So, here we are, waiting impatiently for Bowers' upcoming album. If "BlackWater" and "Holy Night" are the appetisers, we can only imagine what the main course is like. Stay tuned, because Kete Bowers is a name you'll be hearing a lot more of.


Genre: Acoustic Alt-Folk, Dark-Pop, Indie Folk, Blues, Singer-Songwriter

Mood: Cinematic, Suspenseful, Emotional, Dominant yet Understated Vocals, Atmospheric, Dark and Complex



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