Songs are always meant to be heard, and rarely, some tracks also demand to be felt, and “Dark Clouds,” Backstrom‘s latest release dropped on November 13th, rightfully falls into both categories. This album carries quite a power. Coming back after a successful album release earlier this year, Backstrom showcases growth in his musicality, brandishing his signature folk, country, and rock genres along with the artist Bart Topher that strikes directly at the souls of the listeners. This album is a perfect balance of feels and vibe just for you.
The album opens with the title track “Dark Clouds,” which is anchored in the themes of nostalgia but on a bitter and negative side. Right off the bat, this track will welcome you with its somber vibe brought by the clean folk and country instrumentation that carries this story of a person who struggles with change happening around him. The song perfectly captures the idea of being detached through things that do not fit one’s desire and the longing for certain situations to happen—it is moody, sad, and quite relatable for listeners who are forced to reflect through this track.
One thing that is a signature of Backstrom’s music is its ability to evoke emotions as well as carry messages that dive into the depths of human emotions in general, and this can be expected on this album. One great example would be the track “One More Time,” with its country-folk offering that carries this timeless and cinematic vibe brought by the powerful yet simple instrumentation that would pull you in to listen for more. It carries a soulful melody along with the acoustic instrumentation from the artists as it delivers a potent message of resilience—a clear shout and refusal to surrender from the trials that life offers. This track is honest as it carries a strong message of regret, hope, and faith throughout the whole piece.
“From the Ashes” is a personal favorite. The simplicity of this track that highly focuses on the great vocals of the artist puts an emphasis on the vocal quality that Backstrom could offer. Along with the slow and moving piano arrangement, a song of resilience—a powerful song of resilience—has been created. Moreover, transformation, forgiveness, and perseverance were also laced toward the cinematic instrumentation of this track, which is a strong point for this song as it makes it personal and inclusive for the listeners.
On the other hand, “daydreaming” carries a much gentler and more friendly type of vibe. With its tight and country-inspired instrumentation, it balances the emotional side and the great tonal quality side of the track. Focusing on the quality of its production, I can’t say anything negative about it—it is perfectly polished and top-notch, which gives the song a timeless quality. Just like the rest of the tracks released on this album, the tracks “You and Me,” “Light the “Night,” and “Tennessee” don’t fall short of this top-notch quality.
Backstrom has done it again with this album. Dark Clouds has managed to successfully deliver a great quality of music to all its anticipating fans around the globe. With Backstrom’s great musicality and vision, his confidence is clear in this release, having successfully communicated the depths that he wanted to deliver. The songs are powerful without being too overwhelming; the song carries a certain softness because of the way it was performed, yet it carries depths; the production is perfect and spot-on; and the lyrics are all honest and sincere, which made it easier to penetrate directly into one’s soul.
“Dark Clouds” is an album that you wouldn’t want to miss. So, don’t miss out! Listen to Dark Clouds! Follow Backstrom on social media for more!
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About the Author
Tine Quirino, also known as Kristine, is a writer (frustrated one), a dreamer (serial sleeper), an INFJ (also INTP/J), a (professional) fangirl, and a good listener (‘literally and figuratively,’ she states).
She is just here, lurking somewhere, enjoying all your music. Music of any kind is still music, after all.
