The Timeless Coming-of-Age Story In isobel’s “laundry”

Photo credit isobel Spotify

Emerging indie-pop artist isobel just made her debut with the release of “laundry”, a

unique retelling of a timeless coming-of-age story through the metaphor of life “rinsing and

repeating”. The twenty-one year old Grand Rapids native confronts her initial disillusionment

and dissatisfaction with life, and how those repeated routines make her both unsure about her own dreams and desires, as well as question what it will be like to grow up. isobel asks “Will you do my laundry? / When I’m turning twenty?”, calling to the double perspective of both outgrowing your former self but also having a part of you tethered to the familiar motions of life, as dull as they may feel. The song’s refrain ends with a resolute “silver lining”, where isobel creates an appreciation for the humdrum of life; that the cyclical “washing and drying” may be worth it in a way that might not be clear yet.

This capturing of the monotonous, but real parts of life is perfected in the music video

companion to “laundry”; isobel offers a glimpse at her little slices of life–a day at the beach, a concert, shopping–behind the lens of an old-school digicam. It feels casual yet special, which further fits the young artist’s digital presence on “isobel’s web”, a website she recently coded and launched herself dedicated to journal entries, song lyrics, photo galleries and a revival of personality through unapologetic self-expression.

Photo credit Isabel Dowell

Though isobel has spent time playing for local shows with her four-piece band, “laundry”

represents her long-time passion of creating things in her bedroom on her own. Self-produced with mixing by Darren Heelis and mastering from Idania Valencia, “laundry” pairs a gritty guitar with sweet vocals, lending to the exact bedroom pop and soft indie-rock sound as isobel’s favorite artists, including girl in red, Clairo, beabadoobee, the Cardigans and Adrienne Lenker.

Much like the queer and female artists that influence her sound, isobel playfully claims to

be the next trailblazer of lesbian indie rock. Her own unique flair on this sound is what she calls bubblegrunge. “laundry” is only the beginning of isobel’s projects, as her debut EP “boyish”, due later this year, will continue to build upon the coming-of-age and nostalgia theme.

Listen to 'laundry' on all streaming platforms now.