This October marked the release of synth-pop sensation Tove Lo’s fifth studio album ‘Dirt Femme’, but it also marked her final step toward independence as an artist. This is undoubtedly a moment of connecting with her femininity and freedom, with the album cover seeing Lo cosplay as a galactic scorpion. A short Spotify introduction clarifies the meaning behind the unorthodox choice of aesthetic to pair with the album; the female scorpion eats the male scorpion after mating, and Lo claims this is the “essence” of the album.
Comprising of twelve tracks, the album is a testimony to Tove Lo’s synth-pop mastery. Each track tells its own intimate story – a piece of Lo’s connection to her femininity. They agglomerate to unlock deep, buried feelings as well as confidence. Some critics have claimed the album isn’t cohesive, yet the lack of seamless weaving between the tracks like many other artists execute, shows the true personal note this album has for Lo. She has diversified from the traditional creation of albums and created one of jarring uniqueness. Although alternative in form, the album itself has a note of relatability throughout, with Lo remaining honest in the relationship she has with her femininity – it is both positive and negative, a joy and a struggle. Amongst the twelve songs, there are moments of pain, felt by those who are also connected with their femininity; these can be heard in ‘No One Dies from Love’, ‘Cute & Cruel’ and ‘True Romance’. Yet, the highs and uplifting aspects of the album induce confidence in anybody who listens and deserves to find its place in a dance or pre-party playlist (save ‘2 Die 4’ and ‘Call on Me’ to said playlists)!
Two tracks that are particularly interesting and reveal arguably more “taboo” elements of femininity are ‘Suburbia’ and ‘Grapefruit’. ‘Suburbia’ delves into Lo’s thoughts of having children and an expected, uniform life as a woman. The lyrics explore them openly – she doesn’t feel as though it’s authentic for her to live the life that is assumed a woman should live, and though there is fear and doubt surrounding the diversion, her resolve is strong. Essentially, Lo knows what she wants, and she will continue on her chosen path, even if it means choosing herself over ‘the love of her life’. Though this may not be the struggle with traditionality that every femme feels, it is an encouragement to follow the life that feels authentic to you, whatever that may be.
‘Grapefruit’, alternatively, is a deep dive into Tove Lo’s struggle with an eating disorder in her teenage years. It’s raw and realistic and honest, stripped of the romanticism we often see in media surrounding female mental health issues. Confidence and femininity have a deep connection, and this explores the barriers between them. As hard-hitting as it is, especially when familiarized with the lyrics, ‘Grapefruit’ is an extremely important addition to the album and makes those who have experienced mental health issues like those talked about within this song and album feel seen.
Written- by Jessie Haslam
Edited by- Michele Ngue-Awane