This EP was released on April 18 and is out on all platforms now. I know! I’m late with the review. But a certain five-month-old tiny terror of a baby that is my darling but also keeps me busy is the cause of the delay.
To keep you fully informed before the review with matters musical rather than baby talk (I can do either at the drop of a hat nowadays), here is the press release information for this release.
Swedish artist Boy In Space (Robin Lundbäck) released his vibrant new EP ‘The Butterfly Affect’ on April 18th. Over five tracks, the project connects the polished traditions of Scandinavian pop with the rich storytelling of American country.
Recorded in both Tennessee and Sweden, the EP marks a turning point for Boy In Space since last year’s “Copium” EP. This time around, he has proudly incorporated more organic elements, acoustic arrangements and country-inspired production while maintaining the lyrical depth that has already won him an army of fans. Intentionally spelled as “The Butterfly Affect” (not ‘effect’), the EP is a deliberate exploration of internal growth. “The title is meant to represent an internal journey, rather than something external”, explains Boy In Space, as the project has emerged after a pivotal year where he closely examined his relationships, pursued creative healing and discovered new musical influences nurtured by regular trips to the city of country music.
With three singles already released, ‘The Butterfly Affect’ features five tracks that perfectly blend soundscapes of pop, Americana, country and indie. It opens with the powerful ‘Dancing On Dynamite’, which was composed during the artist’s first Nashville writing session, featuring acoustic guitar and Western-inspired percussion, it sets the tone for the whole project – something born out of heartbreak and resulting in freedom. ‘Too Much To Lose’ follows as a haunting anthem about the complexities of an unwanted romance. Co-written by Phoebe Ryan, it was Robin’s first attempt at blending his Scandinavian pop roots with the pop-country world, continuing on with that newly found Southern twang. Final single ‘Take It Easy’ is arguably one of the Swede’s most memorable tracks to date – a rhythmic and energetic bop about the vulnerability of relationships and emotional risk.
With two unreleased tracks beautifully sealing the project, one of them being ‘Burning Down The House’ – co-produced by Oskar Widén and Samuel Brandt of NOTD – which surfaced during a late-night writing session in Stockholm and reached new levels when Oskar’s mother got involved, adding a fantastic string of violin to strengthen the melody of the track. Finally, the most tender piece of the collection – ‘Sway’ is a soft, melancholic hymn on long-distance relationships. Written in one sitting on a sunny porch alongside Kris Eriksson and the aforementioned Phoebe Ryan, Boy In Space has found that catharsis can occur during the happiest of moments, sharing: “My last few years have been wildly transformative. I’m so proud of my personal growth and who I’ve become in the midst of writing these songs.”
My Review:
The EP has five songs and runs to just over 15 minutes.
It began by reminding me that I never know the correct application of effect or affect, people tell me and I still forget! But I will place a bet that 90% of English speakers don’t know the difference either!
“Dancing on Dynamite” opens up with some commercial-sounding pop and a pleasing beat and it quickly gets you moving. It is one of those made-for-summer days and the radio.
“Too much to Lose” is a slower track that leads with a strong drum rhythm. It remains upbeat and is an easy sing-along. I’m sitting in the garden having a listen to this; the birds are having a drink from the birdbath, and the EP is playing. This track is another feel-good number.
“Take it Easy” delivers a strong vocal performance. It again is light, made for radio and the type of track that is a fun listen. Couldn’t resist having a little dance to it as I headed off for a cool coke! I’d happily drive to this; it would just make me want an open-topped car!
“Burning Down the House” turns direction slightly and delivers more of an Americana sound; the storytelling element comes in and the violin offers a different shade to the palette. I liked this track the best off the EP; it had these interesting layers and the story behind it all made me listen too. I liked it!
“Sway” closes the EP with a softer ballad. The vocals are softer and it adds those story elements again in a gentle, romantic sense. The romantic in me did like it and it closes the EP down with a sway!
Standout track: “Burning Down the House.”
In summary: Boy in Space has delivered a pocket-sized EP bursting with sunshine, story, and sway. Whether you’re dancing on dynamite or sipping Coke in the garden, there’s something here for your summer soundtrack—just don’t blame him if you end up Googling “affect vs. effect” again halfway through.
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Stream music from Boy in Space here
By Stevie Ritson