Hawk Bjorn – Alchemy (EP Review)

Today’s review will take us through definitely, an interesting journey. The artist the review is centered on is Hawk Bjorn, an individual who hails from an area that boasts the lateau-heeled shadows of ABBA in the land of the midnight sun and pickled herring. He has always been drawn to harmony laden pop music akin to the sound of 10cc, The Bee Gees, Queen as well as ELO. Hawk however, has a very interesting take on all of these artists’ songs. Most people tend to sing along to the main vocals of a track, but he has an astute observation and approach. He states, “I always sang along with all the back-up vocals instead of the lead vocal. Just loved the complexities and the richness of the human voice.”

Further on in his lore, he left his native land Sweden at the age of seventeen. That mere action led him to experience living and travelling worldwide, making him somewhat of a global nomad. He then found his base in the west coast of Canada. He also describes his musical journey as one that is just as diverse, from choral music to reggae. All of these influences then culminated in the form of his own artistry, with a primary focus on harmonies as well as catchy melodies. He also incorporates passionate, introspective as well as universal lyrics into his specific brand of songwriting. Hawk has also written and recorded with some of the music industry’s top producers and musicians as part of the BMG signed pop duo “bounce the ocean” including Steve Berlin (Los Lobos, REM), Andrew Gold (10cc, Linda Ronstadt), Michael Omartian (Whitney Houston, Rod Stewart), Clif Magness (Avril Lavigne) and Glenn Ballard (Alanis Morissette, Michael Jackson).

In a turn of events, he has decided to cement his name by coming up with his own contemplative material solo. In this release that we’ll analyse, titled ‘Alchemy’, he has put together lyrics that are based on reflections and poems written throughout 2023 and 2024 while taking stock of what truly matters in life: friendship, good health, music, kindness, and love. The release is also described as a seemingly magical process of transformation and creation, taking pain and turning it into hope.

In his own words, Hawk is quoted by saying “So these past couple years, I’ve been grappling with the concept of impermanence and the heart-breaking notion of leaving loved ones behind”. He also contrasts it by exploring what it is to live in the now, in the present moment and being the best that one can be. “I’d rather be optimistic and look for the light “, Hawk sings, “Instead of pessimistic and probably right”.

Upon listening to the album, I must say- all the descriptors of Hawk’s artistry is pretty straightforward and not deceptive at all. Of all of the descriptions of his own artistry, it is reflected quite well in this body of work. It is a mellow, well-polished and nostalgic body of work that does remind me of the ‘lost nostalgia’ feel of some of Bee Gees sorrowful ballads, such as the track ‘Holiday’. If this body of work had a visual representation to it, it would be pastel and blurry, just like the cover art. It gives off the feel of non-threateningness, all while maintaining a proficient standard through the compositional techniques and the keen eye for mastering.

The vocals within the tracks definitely do serve as the standout factor to all of these songs, as the harmonies and multi-layered tracks pan itself out as a ‘vocal symphony’, the centre stage of the track despite having an accompaniment to it. The accompaniment tends to be soft and subtle, all while trapping features of a complex chord structure and musical intent to it. In a way, it also reminds me of a vintage take on a lot of Sondre Lerche’s songs.

I think this body of work definitely has a universal appeal to it, due to the emotional metric embedded into each song and the slightly mellowed out approach to all of the instruments. All of the songs have a predictable edge to it, making it where nothing sounds universally ‘off’ or atonal itself. The lyrics and intent are quite clear, also making it quite marketable. People will definitely sing along to this record, and it will have a place in their heart.

Score/Good: Hawk Bjorn definitely appeals to those with a nostalgic flair when it comes to music, with a mellow yet complex soundscape suitable for pouring out your emotions as well as building a bridge of familiarity. ‘Alchemy’ is a release that will stand out to those who definitely are into a generally pop-folk soundscape, all while tantalizing your ears with endless variations of vocal harmony.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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