Album Review: Sunnanvind by Mares – A Little Slice of Swedish Indie Magic
Alright, let’s talk about Sunnanvind, the 2019 album from Swedish artist Mares. If you’re into that dreamy indie pop vibe with a dash of rock swagger, this one might just hit the spot. Released under Tjoof (cool label name, right?), it’s got this cozy yet edgy feel that kinda sneaks up on you. Like, you think you’re just vibing casually, but then—boom—it sticks.
First off, the tracklist is solid, though I gotta admit, they repeat "Nästan ingenting" and "Stråkorkester" like someone forgot to edit it. But honestly? It works. It gives those songs extra weight, like Mares is saying, “Hey, pay attention to these!” Spoiler alert: You will.
Now, let me get into why this album’s worth your time. Let’s start with “Penseldrag.” Oh man, this song feels like walking through Stockholm in autumn—crisp air, golden light, maybe a little melancholy mixed in. The melody builds so smoothly, layer by layer, until you’re just floating along with it. And the lyrics? Super poetic without being all try-hard. It’s not even my native language, but something about how Mares sings makes it click emotionally. You don’t need Google Translate for this; it hits different.
Then there’s “Vi Har Bara Varandra”—which means “We Only Have Each Other,” FYI. This track slaps harder than expected. It starts soft, almost whispery, but then BAM, the chorus explodes. It’s anthemic in this understated way, like a hug that turns into a full-on group dance party. By the second listen, you’ll wanna grab your mates and scream-sing it together. That raw energy? Love it.
Other tracks like “Dansmusik” bring some chill grooves, while “Sjutton” has this quirky charm that catches you off guard. Honestly, the whole thing flows really well, like Mares put thought into making it an actual journey rather than just throwing random tunes at ya.
But here’s the kicker: for an indie pop album, Sunnanvind doesn’t overstay its welcome. None of the songs drag on forever or feel like filler. It’s short, sweet, and leaves you wanting more. Kinda like when you finish a bag of chips too fast and regret nothing.
So yeah, if you haven’t checked out Mares yet, do yourself a favor and give Sunnanvind a spin. It’s refreshing AF in a world where everything sounds kinda samey. Plus, supporting Swedish indie artists is always a win.
Random thought: Listening to this album makes me want to learn Swedish ASAP. Like, imagine understanding every word Mares is singing—that’d be wild, right? Anyway, go listen. You won’t regret it.
