Torrey Mcdowell set out to write songs to her younger self on her new EP Not a Man. The Nashville-by-way-of-Georgia singer far exceeded her goal: the four songs on Not a Man capture universal episodes of the queer experience.
The EP’s title track calls to mind Desert Mambas‘ “Buzz Cut Blues,” that queer sexuality and expression considered as simply “less than” cisgender models. But Mcdowell demands that our experiences be celebrated for what they are: something creative and experimental, something beautiful because it requires work.
The content of “It Gets Better” should not be a surprise to anyone, but Mcdowell’s illustration of those more intimate moments of shame and fear of the future are gutting. By contrast, “Outloud” celebrates tender moments in a queer relationship and encourages us to truly take pride in our love and place in society. This four-song sampler blends pop and twang, and it’s an enticing taste of what’s to come from Mcdowell.
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