It is time to focus on Finnish artist, namely Peter Hägerstrand, who is a veteran singer-songwriter known for his ability to craft complicated stories through music. Having gained much experience as a soloist and band member of such groups as Gycklarnas Afton, Good Evening Manchester, and Jupiter Park, Hägerstrand has developed his own unique style that combines both classic elements and something fresh and contemporary. His newest release, the four-song EP Sjögräs vol. 2, which was released on May 15th, can be considered an art of storytelling in cinematic form.
“Egen lägenhet” starts off the EP with a bass line that is rather moody and rhythmic in nature, complemented by a sharp and consistent beat of drums together with the sound of a synthesizer, which immediately creates an atmosphere of isolation. This is a rather lonely introduction that perfectly paves the way for an exploration of the bittersweet truth of solitude. The theme takes a look at the heavy silence that accompanies the feeling of solitude, especially the one associated with having your own space, maybe moving out of your parents’ house to begin your life in freedom. In terms of music, Hägerstrand’s vocal performance comes off as very down-to-earth and conversational, as if Hägerstrand were whispering his epiphanies to himself, and his harmonies with the female vocals really elevate the performance. The musical arrangements swell around the chorus with layers of guitars that give off the impression of walls closing in, giving the listener that specific ache of independence.
This is followed by “Ett litet liv”, which brings a change in pace with an uplifting tune that begins with an upbeat acoustic guitar strumming accompanied by a soft, shimmering tambourine sound and a light piano tune. The tune in itself has a sunrise feel, thus contrasting quite well with the lyrical content of the track. This song talks about the delicate nature of beauty in a “small life,” which refers to how a life does not have to be grand to be beautiful, but can also be found through routine and the smallest things in life. For more context, the above phrase is the Swedish introduction of a monumental book of literature published in 2015, which has completely redefined the modern tragedy genre. The book presents a shocking account of four friends attending university together who travel to the never-ending rhythm of New York City with the aim of creating their identities amidst a city that offers no guarantees. It is a story that presents a very reflective look at the nature of friendships, not just friendships of a fleeting nature, but friendships that become an obligation of mutual survival for the other party for life. The book is an amazing reflection on the dark side that follows us from our past and how much effort it takes to keep our loved ones by our side. Through the internal changes experienced by the characters of the book, the story has managed to reflect the universal theme of human connection in a huge urban setting. It is interesting to note that the vocal delivery of this song is much softer and more vulnerable. Its effect on the listener would be a sense of groundedness; it is a song that makes you pause and appreciate your own life in its little ambitions.
The third song, “I lagens namn”, violates the established calm through an intense and driven introduction characterized by a rough, distorted sound from an electric guitar together with an aggressive beat from the snare. This creates an aggressive mood that indicates a move towards social criticism or a confrontation. The subject of discussion involves the rigid structures within which someone tells us to “stop the name of the law”. In this particular song, there is a bluesy sound in the music with Hägerstrand’s voice adopting an aggressive tone. There are some siren sounds in the song to create a visual scene of the theme of the song.
The final track “ Ring min mamma” rounds off the EP with an opening piano note that sounds lonely and high-pitched, which is repeated like a signal in the dark until a jazzy and somehow Latin-infused bass line enters and fills the void. While the intro is reminiscent, it does not carry the saccharine sentimentality of the typical ballad. The song theme itself is one of ultimate surrender; it is the breaking down of the adult shell in which we try so hard to hide, and the only thing left to do is ring home for help. This song is all about wanting to call your mother. The character in the song doesn’t just expect the song; he expects his mother to save him from the situation he’s in. In terms of musicality, this is the most complex of the four songs, with a slow buildup to a soulful pocket that eventually comes through in the drums.
Here we have one of the best masterclasses of songwriting, where emotional impact reaches a level that is impossible to describe, because the music becomes so familiar that it sounds almost as if you knew about it from your childhood memories. These four songs feature an unusual, mysterious magic, which makes it impossible for them to ever be erased from your memory. The background of Hägerstrand in film scores is evident in these songs, where the grandeur of the movie soundtrack gets combined with something personal and intimate. The beauty of this music is revealed in the fact that everything is so clear and transparent that even though you cannot understand the Swedish lyrics, your heart understands the meaning. The aesthetics remain faithful to the principles established in the first album, creating a wonderful blend of organic acoustics and a sharp edge of rock that keeps you on your toes. There is an amazing feeling when you find yourself totally spellbound by every single syllable and sound without having to translate it. It is the ultimate proof of the greatness of the artist if he succeeds in breaking through the mind and reaching your heart directly. This is the core of all music: its ability to transcend languages without any effort. There is an overwhelming sensation of expectation, wanting to see what comes next from such an incredible talent.
Stream the “Sjögräs vol. 2” EP on Spotify.
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