An affecting folk sound flows throughout Amber, a memorable debut EP from MacFarmlin, the project of Jonas Axt, who will release a documentary featuring making-of footage regarding the EP’s development. Through mountain metaphors, reflective lyricism, and chamber-folk textures, Axt navigates anxiety and inner conflict with gripping, organic sophistication.
Opening the EP, “Alaska” emits a warming, brass-laden allure — followed by soft acoustics and vocal introspection. “I see you fall down, with the love of somebody whose help feels wonderful,” Axt’s vocals let out. A poetic grip takes hold through mountain-forward imagery, where the lofty task of climbing a mountain, with looming avalanches and snowstorms, fixates around someone who’s offered help but constantly refuses it; the result may lead to their demise. Right away, the project shows a clear capacity of gripping narratives and metaphorical prowess, alongside a climactic production that swells from folk-ready contemplation to rousing rock ardor.
Another standout track, “Amber” sends chills in its ghostly vulnerability. Haunting, wordless vocal harmonies and murmuring guitar drive into a confessional vocal feeling, where “I felt so alive” emotion shifts into a “seize the light” beckoning; the track and EP title plays as symbolism for the “fading, protective light of sunset” — with that caressing aspect captured in the “hold me tight” beckoning. Perspectives of sanctuary and arising anxiety, particularly when one leaves their home, are artfully conveyed within a stirringly atmospheric, dreamy rock spell. “The Temporary Madness of Being” follows that up in compelling form, infusing heartfelt strings into hopeful “falling in love” sentiments. The vocal work, showing a mixture of soaring emotion and understated backings, excels within a lovely chamber-folk sound.
EP finale “169 Avel” delights in its retrospective appeal, emitting the story of a place the artist once lived, tied to aching memories of former relationships and friendships. “I believe that place showed me that you don’t always feel mentally well,” Axt explains. “Thinking about that place is healing, melancholic, but also very painful.” Subdued vocal tones meld with heavy lyrical themes, traversing through eroding emotions and those that still linger, as lush guitars and twinkling piano further an enveloping soundscape. From start to finish, Amber is an EP that enthralls in its sincere, reflective emotion and folk-ready expanses.
