Hey there, music lovers — gather ‘round, because today we’re shining the spotlight on the incredible TUVABAND. In just seven short years, Tuvaband — led by the ever-enigmatic Tuva Hellum Marschhäuser — has carved out an international reputation for fearless creativity and emotional honesty. Tuva has quietly become one of Scandinavia’s most distinctive voices — an artist who doesn’t just make music, but builds entire worlds with sound. Her upcoming fifth album, Seven Ways of Floating, released on October 24, takes that artistry even further. Across eleven tracks, Tuva offers something rare — a record that feels both adventurous and deeply comforting. It’s lush, poetic, and full of feeling — a soothing escape in a world that often feels anything but calm. Let’s dive deeper into what makes this album such a moving experience.
The album’s namesake and title track, “Seven Ways of Floating,” doesn’t just open the record—it lifts you right out of your seat. It starts with a brief, captivating melodic whisper before the vocals, ethereal and grounded all at once, begin their work. This isn’t just a song; it’s a gentle nudge toward the future. While it’s tempting to anchor ourselves to the comfort of the past, TUVABAND bravely tells us to cut the rope and float. Yes, starting anew is terrifying, but this track reminds us that hope is the only life jacket we truly need. Musically, it’s a masterclass—from the instrumentation that seems to shimmer around you to the utterly sublime vocal performance, this song is the perfect, tantalizing taste of the sonic journey that lies ahead.
The album’s second track, “I’m Safely Passing in Time,” plunges you into a darker mood. It kicks off with a brief, dramatic melodic stab before the vocals enter, immediately setting a tone of deep contemplation. The theme here is the absolute, unyielding mystery of time—that inevitable current we all swim in but can never fully understand. We relate completely to the character’s dilemma; who among us can honestly claim to grasp the true intricacies of time? Musically, TUVABAND is simply unreal. Even as the instrumentation swirls with a dark, almost cinematic intensity, the singer’s voice remains hauntingly light and purely beautiful, creating a tension that makes the track unforgettable.
Next up is “Galloping Chest,” and the name says it all. This track immediately grabs you with an exciting, driving beat before the powerful vocals soar in. It’s an urgent, anthemic rush built on primal, programmed rhythms and huge, cathartic melodies. This song is a musical fist-pump, created specifically for anyone who has ever felt forgotten, overlooked, or underrated—it’s their rallying cry and a chance to never surrender!
The album continues with “Futile Maze,” a song that immediately draws you in with an opening melody so beautiful it’s instant hypnosis. True to its name, the track introduces us to a character hopelessly trapped—stuck in an endless, exhausting cycle with no map to the exit. It perfectly captures that feeling of being lost in a sonic labyrinth. Musically, this is where things get really interesting: the instrumentation is lively yet deeply haunting, providing a dramatic backdrop for the star of the show—a side of the artist’s voice we haven’t heard yet, full of nuance and raw emotion.
Up next is “Into the Unknown,” which immediately pulls you in with a throbbing beat and a cool, electronic synth pulse. This isn’t just a new song; it’s a nostalgic echo. TUVABAND revisits the essence of her 2016 single “Unknown” but gives it a lo-fi electro-pop facelift. Amplified through a cassette machine, the track has a wonderfully warped, analog feel, turning this love tune into something beautifully grainy and deeply vintage.
Get ready for “Count to 4,” a track that wastes no time getting exciting. It immediately kicks off with a captivating melody that’s guaranteed to hook you instantly. This song is an utterly trippy, engaging ride for the ears. But what truly sells it is the artist’s vocal performance—it’s absolutely mesmerizing. The voice manages to be both light and dark, ethereal and grounded all at once. Trust me, you’ll be as obsessed with this vocal balancing act as I am!
Next up, we have “Hello Universe,” which begins with a light, gently upbeat melody that creates an immediate sense of warmth. This is the sound of deep desperation meeting vast possibility. The character is completely consumed by their search, throwing their most urgent questions out into the cosmos, hoping the universe itself will finally answer. The vulnerability in this track is breathtaking. It’s instantly relatable because haven’t we all reached a point where we look for signs and toss our unanswered questions into the void?
Next on the album is the track simply titled “You.” The moment it begins, you’re immediately struck by a gorgeous voice—it’s pure, flawless, and hits you right in the heart. This is an intimate address, a letter to a specific person, urging him to let go and release every emotion he’s bottling up. Musically, the feeling is pure escape; I genuinely felt like I was floating in the air. The artist’s performance is utterly captivating and fantastic—it’s the kind of sound that washes over you.
The album continues with “Once upon a time I went searching for peace.” This track wastes absolutely no time, diving straight into the vocal performance before the instrumentation even kicks in. Surprisingly, this is the most upbeat song on the record, which creates a fascinating contrast with its heavy theme: the relentless fight against inner demons. The character bravely details her struggles and the heartbreaking admission that her search for peace—which she has yet to find—is ongoing. Musically, it’s a powerhouse, delivering another world-class vocal performance perfectly boosted by expert, driving instrumentation.
Track number ten is the beautifully optimistic “It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This.” It kicks off immediately with a short, thumping beat that paves the way for the warm blend of guitar and vocals. This song is a needed philosophical moment—a gentle reminder to savor the simple pleasures and the tiny, often overlooked moments in life. Why? Because when you string all those small joys together, they form one huge, unforgettable experience. Musically, it’s a pure delight: the incredible vocal harmonies, thoughtful lyrics, and expert instrumentation all combine to guarantee this song is a pure, unadulterated pleasure to listen to.
The album closes with “And Rise Again,” a truly unique farewell. It starts not with instruments, but with an ethereal mouth percussion that immediately sets a hypnotic, unfamiliar mood. The vocal delivery here is simply unlike anything you’ve ever heard, drawing you into the final statement of the record. The message is a powerful, comforting whisper: it’s perfectly okay to step back, clear your head, and then get right back on your feet when you’re ready. Musically, it channels a fantastic Billie Eilish-esque vibe, creating an amazing atmosphere that provides a perfect, memorable conclusion to the album.
This album is a deep dive into the human condition, built around the core themes of dreams, hope, faith, love, misery, and fear. TUVABAND’s work, however, is not just about big feelings; it brilliantly captures our modern paradox. It explores the intense yearning for serenity amidst a chaotic world of upheaval and violence, while simultaneously highlighting the irony of trying to find genuine calm in a Western culture saturated with the constant noise of social media and television.
Stream the “Seven Ways of Floating” album on Spotify
Follow Tuvaband here and Instagram
