Larkin Poe – Bloom
Larkin Poe “Bloom”—Strong, Fiercely Independent, and Self-Assured
Hot on the heels of their 2024 Grammy winning release, Blood Harmony, Larkin Poe released their newest studio album, Bloom on January 24, 2025. One of the most anticipated new releases of 2025, Bloom offers songs that resonate with introspection, authenticity, and a profound connection to Larkin Poe’s roots in American music.
Comprised of the singer-songwriting duo of sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell, Larkin Poe offers a unique blend of Americana, Blues and Southern rock n’ roll, reflecting their Georgia roots and many musical influences. Sometimes described as ‘gothic Blues’ for their depth and darkness, the Lovell sisters also offer up sweet and introspective ballads.
For the prolific Lovell sisters, Bloom is Larkin Poe’s eighth studio album in 11 years. For their steadily growing fanbase, Bloom is a welcome addition to Larkin Poe’s extensive catalog, which includes a live album, a handful of EPs, and a number of live and recorded collaborations with other artists.
Bloom represents the next step in the evolution of this duo. Each of the songs offers a glimpse into the journey of self-reflection and examination. While the album’s offerings present a sense of vulnerability and introspection, Bloom represents a figurative stomping of feet on a stage saying this is who we are—fiercely independent, determined, and masters of our destiny, bending to no one’s expectations.
“Mockingbird” leads off the album. The lyrics present a soul that is both searching and wanting to be recognized for her sense of true self. The song asks the listener to patiently sift through the noise and distraction to find the nature of one’s essence.
The songs on Bloom delve into relationships and connections–relationships that are easy and comfortable and those seemingly on the rocks. “Easy Love Part 1” talks about the fortunes of finding a soulmate. The song launches with an aggressive guitar riff emblematic of contemporary female Blues artists such as Joanna Shaw Taylor and Samantha Fish, as the lyrics celebrate finding one’s love.
It’s bookend song, “Easy Love Part 2” takes a different approach. Beginning with Megan Lovell’s winsome slide chords, accented by Rebecca’s picking and gentle singing, the song reflects on the tangible comforts present in the relationship.
“Nowhere Fast” continues the theme of refusing to be held back. While the song suggests no direction and no destination, the tone takes on an energy and determination that refuses to be constrained. The tempo of the song makes it a perfect road song. Imagine listening to the song heading down the highway with the top down on the convertible, the wind in your hair, and the volume cranked up high.
“If God Is A Woman” is an anthem to strong women everywhere. Positing that if God is a woman, then so is the devil. With a slight echo, Rebecca’s lead vocals seemingly caution all men to watch their controlling and misogynistic ways in order to avoid Heaven and Hell’s fury.
Larkin Poe’s style is simple and direct. Their lyrics blend metaphors into their story telling, often including sharp barbs pointed at society’s assumptions and conventions. At times, their lyrics take on gothic tones as they plumb the depths of human emotion.
All relationships go through peaks and valleys—the inevitable highs and lows as two souls join together on life’s journeys. Will the journey ultimately succeed, or will it fracture through endless tiny cracks, fissures, and misunderstandings? This is the question posed by the final song on Bloom. “Bloom Again” is a poignant love song and plea for the romance to continue and succeed. Rebecca and Megan’s voices blend beautifully in harmonies that touch one’s essence.
The immense talents of Rebecca and Megan Lovell shine throughout this album. Rebecca’s lead vocals are rich and deep. When joined by Megan on harmony, their combined voices rise and fall in perfect sync, drawing the listener deep into the depths of their feelings. Rebecca’s masterful guitar and Megan’s brilliant slide work are simply amazing.
Historically, women’s art has been routinely undervalued by pundits, critics, on Billboard charts, and in sales figures. Viscerally it feels like this has changed during the 21st century with the transcendence of so many talented women taking the stage and sharing their talents.
Strong, confident, and self-assured, Rebecca and Megan Lovell have taken their place squarely within the ranks of amazing women demanding to be taken seriously. Like Blood Harmony, Larkin Poe’s Bloom deserves serious consideration for inclusion on any compilation of best albums of the year and this decade.
In addition to Rebecca Lovell (lead vocals, electric and acoustic guitars) and Megan Lovell (harmonies, lap steel and Dobro), the artists appearing on Bloom include Tarka Layman (electric bass), Caleb Crosby (drums and percussion), Tyler Bryant (electric bass, electric and 12-string guitars), Michael Webb (Hammond B3), and Eleonore Denig (strings).
Writing credits go to Rebecca Lovell, Megan Lovell and Tyler Bryant for “Mockingbird,” “Little Bit,” “Bluephoria,” “Nowhere Fast,” “If God Is A Woman,” “Pearls,” and “You Are The River.” Rebecca Lovell and Megan Lovell co-wrote “Easy Love Pt. 1,” Fool Outta Me,” and “Bloom Again.” Rebecca Lovell and Tyler Bryant co-wrote “Easy Love Pt. 2.”
Bloom was produced by Larkin Poe and Tyler Bryant. The album was engineered by Tyler Bryant at The Lilypad in Nashville, mixed by David Benyamin in Paris, France, and mastered by Dan Shike at Tone and Volume Mastering. Artwork and photography credits go to Devin Wilson and Robby Klein, respectively. Bloom was released on Larkin Poe’s personal label, Tricki-Woo Records. Peter Leak and Anna Pearson are Larkin Poe’s managers for Red Light Management.
Following a January European tour, Larkin Poe have a bruising spring and fall tour schedule ahead of them for 2025.
For more information about Larkin Poe, including upcoming tour dates in support of Bloom, visit their website: https://www.larkinpoe.com
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Show Review: Larkin Poe Brings Their Blood Harmony 2023 World Tour to Milwaukee
Concert photos are from Larkin Poe’s March 2023’s Milwaukee performance by Brooke Billick.
Bloom track listing:
Mockingbird
Easy Love Part 1
Little Bit
Bluephoria
Easy Love Part 2
Nowhere Fast
If God Is A Woman
Pearls
Fool Outta Me
You Are The River
Bloom Again
