B-Side Guys

Deep beneath the surface of everyday reality, something magical stirs. Fabian Brusk Jahn’s upcoming EP “In the Dungeons of Bäckabo,” set for release on December 6, 2024, invites listeners into a world where dreams and fairy tales intertwine with profound psychological truth.

The EP opens with its title track, a haunting journey into the subterranean realms of inheritance and identity. Jahn’s evocative vocals float above Johan Östling’s nimble drumming and Linus Klevebrant’s resonant double bass, while Hampus Andersson’s piano and Joel Bjurbo’s guitars create an atmosphere of enchanted uncertainty. When Jahn sings of finding “a secret cave” leading to “some kind of lake deep underground,” the imagery feels both mythic and deeply personal.

“Nightwalk” follows, expanding the EP’s sonic palette with the addition of Mette Gerdle’s violin. The track explores the liminal space between waking and dreaming, where love takes on shapes impossible in daylight. Max Hessman’s piano work here deserves special mention, creating a dreamlike foundation for Jahn’s tale of nocturnal romance.

“Staging” delves deeper into psychological territory, examining the roles we play in interpersonal relationships. The addition of Hammond organ adds a vintage warmth to the arrangement, while maintaining the EP’s otherworldly atmosphere. Jahn’s lyrics about being “a cancer consuming her dreams” and playing “the villain in her masterpiece” cut to the heart of how we sometimes cast ourselves in others’ stories.

The collection takes an introspective turn with “Ship Ohoj,” addressing the dissolution of self in the digital age. Here, Jahn strips things back to vocals and guitar, with Bjurbo providing additional guitar and bass. The minimalist arrangement allows the existential weight of lines like “Words without a voice / Swims in a shallow noise” to land with full force.

The EP closes with “Gubbstrutt Trudilutt,” an instrumental piece that serves as a perfect epilogue to this journey through dreams and fairy tales. The interplay between Jahn’s guitar, Andersson’s piano, and Klevebrant’s double bass creates a sense of resolution without losing the magic that permeates the entire collection.

Producer Johan Östling, along with co-producers Jahn and Joel Bjurbo, has crafted a sound that perfectly serves these songs of subterranean exploration. The mix maintains clarity while allowing for mystery, creating space for listeners to find their own meanings in these musical fairy tales.

What sets “In the Dungeons of Bäckabo” apart is its ability to use fantasy as a lens for examining reality. Jahn understands that sometimes the most direct route to emotional truth is through metaphor and myth. Whether he’s exploring parenthood in the title track or digital alienation in “Ship Ohoj,” the fairy tale framework allows him to approach difficult subjects from unexpected angles.

The musicianship throughout is notably accomplished, with each player contributing to the overall atmosphere without overshadowing the storytelling. The arrangements feel both carefully considered and organically evolved, creating a sound that’s both timeless and distinctly contemporary.

At just five tracks, the EP leaves listeners wanting more, but this brevity serves the material well. Each song creates its own distinct world while contributing to a larger narrative about dreams, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves to make sense of both.

For fans of sophisticated songwriting that bridges the gap between folk tradition and contemporary concerns, “In the Dungeons of Bäckabo” promises to be essential listening. Jahn has created something unique here – a collection of songs that functions both as pure storytelling and deep psychological exploration.

As winter approaches and nights grow longer, this EP arrives like a perfect companion for dark evenings and introspective moments. Through his musical fairy tales, Fabian Brusk Jahn reminds us that sometimes the most profound truths can only be approached through dreams and metaphor.

When “In the Dungeons of Bäckabo” releases on December 6, listeners will have the chance to descend into these musical depths themselves. Based on what we’ve heard, it’s a journey well worth taking.