Norwegian musician Mathias SB enters his creative universe with "Echoes of Us", a four-track debut EP that doesn’t remain in one lane. The release is a 12-minute and 29-second project with a tight sound and a lot of personality. The music is all over the place, ranging from pop and electronic pop to EDM, instrumental exploration, and quieter guitar moments.
The EP opens with “Let’s Raise a Glass,” a joyous pop track co-written with Wanja Hamre at Rena Song Fest. It instantly injects the project with an optimistic spirit and is one of the highlights of the release. This natural warmth and celebratory feel give the song an enticing introduction to Mathias SB's sound.
The EP turns a complete corner with “The Dragons Are Gone”. The experimental EDM tune is inspired by a trip back to medieval China and features the classic Chinese instrument, the pipa, lending the production a distinctive, striking feel. The instrumental version highlights the musical arrangement, with the electronic and ambient components coming to the forefront. The EP closes with “Turbulence,” a quieter, guitar-driven pop song about the hard times that can test a relationship without necessarily destroying it. Its more relaxing nature offers a measured contrast to the frenetic tracks that precede it.
What makes "Echoes of Us" particularly compelling is the way Mathias SB finds a balance between accessible songwriting and off-the-wall themes. There’s something fresh to offer from the celebration, the electronic adventure, and the contemplative relationship themes. “Let’s Raise a Glass,” “The Dragons Are Gone,” and “Turbulence” are standouts, and this debut EP is an interesting introduction to an up-and-coming Norwegian artist eager to try new things while keeping his music listener-friendly.
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EP