The recording project of Swedish songwriter Thomas Jonsson, I’m Kingfisher put out its third record this spring. Released on Stockholm’s Fading Trails Recordings, Transit is Jonsson’s sixth solo release in total, and the experience shows on what is a considerate, expertly crafted record. Ranging from technical acoustic guitar reminiscent of Sam Moss to slow, moody ballads that conjure the likes of Ola Podrida, I’m Kingfisher’s style allows room to explore a range of emotions within a single album. Furthermore, this is managed in an organic, emotive fashion, each track having a certain directness that draws the listener to Jonsson’s lyrics in the manner of the best folk music.
We’re delighted to share a new video for the single, ‘Sarajevo’. Directed by Isac Stridsman with David Stridsman as camera assistant, the film is suitably stark and evocative, the juxtaposition of darkness and light marrying perfectly with the song’s bittersweet ambience. Such a push and pull defines ‘Sarajevo’, with the introspective emotion counterbalanced by a clever self-awareness. However, neither the sincere sentiments or ironic self-reference undercut the other, rather the song exists as a nuanced piece willing and able to contradict itself, and thus appearing all the more human for it.
“Yes, I have time to let this take forever.
Something something something something,
fully defining and droopy eyed is a reminder
there’ll be a time when I’m gone.Plastic bag coloured and soaking wet but
for now I’m still OK, and this pack of strings,
I said this pack of strings, I said this baby
was bound to come between us,
this pack of strings has got one more rhythm to catch”
Transit is out now via Fading Trails Recordings and you can get it from Bandcamp.
Cover photo by Anna Branhede