Lay Low: Please Dont Hate Me

Lay Low is the creation of Icelandic sensation Lovísa Elísabet Sigrúnardóttir (no wonder she needs a stage name). The dainty chanteuse plays a stripped-down blues/folk that has the acoustic appeal of Cat Power and, at times, approaches the adorably squeamish tendencies of Joanna Newsome. Released in 2006 Please Don’t Hate Me has been all the rage in Iceland. Nominated for four Icelandic Music Awards and winning two, (best female vocalist and best album cover) Lay Low has been designated as one of the most promising new artists back in her home country. Her songwriting prowess seems a bit simplified, but ultimately grabs you like a considerate step-child. The title track exhibits a conventional blues guitar while Lovísa continuously riffs about unrequited love like an old soul singer. “Mojo Love” opens the record with an appropriate introduction to the Icelandic artist while the perky banjo on “Mama” is a welcome respite from the mostly mellowed-out acoustic numbers. The upbeat nature of “Boy Oh Boy” comprises Lay Low’s second single off the album. Relatively unknown in the States it will be interesting too see if Lay Low (who is only 24 years old!) can capture the hearts of countless indie geeks. She certainly has mine.