Indie Folk from Sweeter than Sorrow

Sweeter than Sorrow, the indie solo project of Gothenburg-based musician Mattias Wåhlberg which started in 2021, has recently released a new single “somersaults,” which showcases the artist’s unique and original sound. Inspired by a broad range of artists, including Cigarettes After Sex, Sufjan Stevens, Nick Cave and similar acts, Sweeter than Sorrow’s strength lies in his haunting and vulnerable voice.

Capturing a dreamy, lullaby-esque sound, “somersaults” is a beautiful and timeless tune that defies traditional genre classification. With its intimate piano arrangement and layered vocals, the song builds slowly to a rich tapestry of gentle instrumental tones. The result is a mesmeric and whimsical sound which is both romantic and heartfelt.

According to Sweeter than Sorrow’s frontman, Mattias Wåhlberg, “somersaults” was born during a turbulent time in his life. As dark thoughts clouded his mind and the reality of life became bleak, he sought solace in an ethereal romantic dream. But as he returned to his roots, he remembered the feeling of being in love for the first time, and that feeling grounded him. In a time of uncertainty, love offered him comfort and strength, and that’s where “somersaults” was born.

The song marks the third collaboration between Wåhlberg and multi-instrumentalist Jonas Franke-Blom, who first came together on Sombre View’s cover of “Forever Young.” The intimate melancholy arrangement of Alphaville’s song sparked an unexpected flame, marking the starting point of Wahlberg’s brainchild Sweeter than Sorrow. With “somersaults,” Sweeter than Sorrow dives deeper into vulnerable and personal spaces with courage and poetry, transforming these very human experiences into a form of art.

From the first note, “somersaults” draws you in with its stripped-back and vulnerable sound. Sweeter than Sorrow’s unique voice is the driving force behind the song, captivating listeners with its authentic and graceful quality. The layered vocals and elegant piano arrangement create a dreamlike soundscape that’s at once beautiful and otherworldly. As the song builds to its conclusion, the gentle instrumental tones create a rich and textured soundscape which is utterly mesmerising and provides a satisfying conclusion to the song.

Overall, “somersaults” is an exceptional piece of music that showcases the creativity, originality and musical talent of Sweeter than Sorrow. It’s a beautiful and intricate tune that sounds like nothing else and serves as a testament to the power of vulnerability and the human experience. Sweeter than Sorrow has crafted a song which is intimate and universal in equal measure, a song that speaks to the heart of what it means to be human. “Somersaults” is undoubtedly one of the most unique, alluring and enthralling songs of the year, and Sweeter than Sorrow is a name to watch in the world of indie music.

Listen to somersaults below