The Hunter EP by New Found Land: A Swedish Synth-Pop Gem You Didn’t Know You Needed
Let’s talk about The Hunter EP by New Found Land. Released back in 2013 on Fixe Records, this little slice of indie pop and synth-pop goodness comes straight outta Sweden—and boy, does it have charm. With its mix of electronic vibes, catchy hooks, and some seriously creative instrumentation (hello, tuba!), it’s one of those albums that sneaks up on you when you least expect it.
First off, let’s give props to the lineup here. Alexander Simm handles guitar and bass duties like a total pro, while Max Andrzejewski keeps things groovy on drums. And can we take a moment for Jonatan Ahlbom’s tuba? Yeah, I said tuba. It adds this quirky, unexpected texture to the tracks, making the whole thing feel fresh and kinda magical. Plus, Edvin Nahlin sprinkles his keyboard magic all over the place, which ties everything together nicely.
Now, onto the songs themselves. The album kicks off with “We Will Imagine,” and honestly? This track is stuck in my head for days after hearing it. It’s got this dreamy vibe, like you’re floating through clouds but still tapping your foot at the same time. There’s something about the way the synths swell and the vocals glide—it just feels hopeful, ya know? Like the kind of song you’d blast while driving nowhere in particular, windows down, wind messing up your hair. That opening line alone gives me chills every time.
Then there’s “The Hunter (II),” which stands out because it flips the script a bit. While the rest of the EP leans more upbeat and playful, this track slows things down and gets introspective. The layers build gradually, almost hypnotically, pulling you deeper into its world. Moritz Lieberkühn’s backing vocals add this haunting harmony that lingers long after the song ends. Honestly, it’s the kind of track that makes you pause whatever you’re doing and just listen. No distractions.
What really struck me about The Hunter EP is how cohesive it feels despite being short—just four tracks if you don’t count the reprises. It’s not trying too hard to impress; instead, it lets the music speak for itself. Giovanni Nicoletta’s mixing and Kai Blankenberg’s mastering deserve a shoutout too, because everything sounds crisp without losing that warm, human touch.
So yeah, The Hunter EP might not be the flashiest release out there, but it’s proof that sometimes less really is more. These guys took their time crafting something small yet meaningful, and it pays off big time. If you’re into bands like MGMT or Hot Chip, you’ll probably dig this.
Here’s the weird part though—I couldn’t stop thinking about how much this album reminds me of an old sweater. You know, the kind that doesn’t look like much but somehow fits perfectly and makes you feel cozy whenever you wear it. Maybe that’s why I keep coming back to it. Anyway, go check it out. Your ears might thank you.
