Following up on last year’s ‘The Weight of a Circle’, Sebastian Clarin has recently unveiled his latest effort, an expansive and evocative gem that reiterates the artistic flair he has to offer. Hailing from the Swedish capital, the gifted singer and songwriter has enjoyed walking a fine line between alt-pop and electronica, eventually landing on a hybrid formula that highlights his lyrical storylines while maintaining a very clear aural identity.
Out now via The Future Sound of Stockholm, ‘A Strange Scent of Cyan’ almost becomes the subject of its label’s tagline, boasting a plastic production that’s both nostalgic and futuristic, a perfect blend of tradition and contemporary allure. Clarin’s vocals crown the piece in a rather gloomy and charismatic way. The Swedish talent’s dark tone is a joy to listen to, contrasting playfully with the bubbly sonic palette around them.
Nuanced and elegant, the record might sound quite cryptic to the unsuspecting listeners. Yet, it carries a crucial message of avoidance and emotional turmoil, as the song’s main character grapples with the looming end of a relationship by checking, counting and looking for patterns. As Clarin explains: “It is easier to count than to feel. At least numbers can be controlled”. In essence, ‘A Strange Scent of Cyan’ is about control, about the urge to retain some kind of order in an increasingly chaotic situation.
Recommended! Discover ‘A Strange Scent of Cyan’ now: