Seasoned composer and musician Terje Gravdal yet again has released hauntingly realistic and thought-provoking music through this latest EP, “The Hostage”. Released on March 29, 2024, this collection of 5 tracks talks about the complexities and reality of being in captivity – metaphorically and figuratively – whether in ideologies, substances, circumstances, or even inside of your head.
Inspired by a true story, “The Hostage” portrays the unsettling reality of losing one’s freedom. The theme of this EP connects deeply in today’s world as some of us still grapple with anxiety about addiction to substance abuse, personal struggles with delusions, and even problems with societal control. Gravdal has successfully captured one’s emotion, angst, fear, desperation, grief, despair, and the unyielding yearning for liberation in a given dire situation.
To start the breakdown of all the tracks, the first song on the EP was entitled, Whiskey-Colored Friend – a song that describes the addictive and destructive nature of alcohol abuse. Gravdal has done a great job of painting a clear picture of a person trapped in an addiction to alcohol. This song features lyrics that somehow, at some point in someone else’s life, alcohol can be the only thing that is there for them, only that at the end of the day, nothing good happens from it – only temporary relief and escape from problems. In terms of musical production, the song is a blend of great rhythm hiding away the conflicting and heavy message of someone battling addiction.
“Hostage in My Home” is a song that tells us the heart-wrenching story of Gravdal’s late aunt and countless others who have kept enduring the pains and struggles brought about by domestic abuse. The lyrics suggest messages of entrapment and helplessness within one’s home – a place that is supposed to offer safety. This track might feel a little bit claustrophobic as it has themes of suffocating air of living in captivity of a once familiar environment.
“Welcome to Rehab” and “Get In Line” on the other hand offer a slightly different sound from other tracks in this EP. Welcome to Rehab offers a commentary on the modern-day obsession of society towards conformity ultimately becoming some sort of addiction that can be akin to substance abuse. This song satirically highlights the absurdity of a society that seeks external validation to the extent of this becoming a destructive obsession. To answer this song comes the track, “Get In Line”. It somehow expresses themes of “a great reset” where a new order is being enforced. It is a song that questions collective obedience which directly connects to the initially mentioned song.
Lastly, “Growing Up” is a great conclusion for this EP. It delivers a great message to youth who somehow, at times, tend to live inside their heads missing a lot of opportunities in life. This song reflects on ambitions, youthful goals, and anxiety about the vast unknown that lies in the future. Gravdal did a great job of capturing the mix of uncertainty and excitement that comes with the coming of age, which reminds us to just try and live up to our dreams even though the future is unpredictable.
The Hostage is a great release because of its powerful message grounded in true experiences. Gravdal’s ability to write music that is both powerful and personal speaks to this artist’s ability as a musician. He is top-notch. This EP is a great reminder for people to remain resilient throughout everything because apparently hope and help will always come your way.
Check out Terje Gravdal and his latest release The Hostage. Be sure to follow the artist on his social media accounts for more details about his music and updates for his upcoming crafts. Check out The Hostage now available for streaming on Spotify! Don’t forget to like, share, and add this great music to your playlists!
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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.
