sixten shares new EP ‘Misemotional’

Swedish duo sixten, formed by siblings Tova and Sigge Strandell, has been a compelling act in the Scandinavian music scene since their debut with the EP Chance Of Rain in 2016 while working under the name Strandels. Known for their ability to craft emotive hit singles and their magnetic live performances, sixten has captured the hearts of listeners across the region and beyond.

The year after their debut, they toured as the opening act for Per Gessle on a thirteen-date summer tour and continued to impress with their studio releases. Dropping multiple well-received tracks including their 2019 breakout single “Slip,” they’ve been going from strength to strength with each move on their exciting musical adventure. Last year they returned in October under the sixten banner with their first new material in three years via the single “Misemotional,” the title track from their brand new sophomore EP.

After several more tracks in the build up to the release, they now bring us the Misemotional EP, featuring six songs released via the TEN Records imprint which offers a nostalgic trip through 90s-inspired pop music, exploring a wide range of emotions from joy and sorrow to hope and confusion. Created over several years, the EP saw the duo collaborate with some of the most revered songwriters and producers in Sweden including the likes of Johan Lindbrandth, Andreas Mattsson from Popsicle and members of Sarah Klang’s team, Theo Stocks, Kevin Andersson and Mattias Hagström.

Opened by the title track “Misemotional,” bright piano chords and the echo of soft synth textures craft an inviting scene as Tova’s elegant vocals enter to drift above the arrangement. Building the energy with snapping drums, the track serves up a shimmering indie pop outing featuring the duo’s graceful vocal layers and instantly catchy songwriting.

“Losing Game” adds a country twist to their sound with laid back drums and woozy guitar tones as the pair thread stunning vocal lines to deliver a truly charming sound full of blissful atmosphere and poignant lyricism. Highlight track “Atlantic” flows from the lilting rhythmic sway of mellow percussion, guitar chords and intricate lead notes before the arrangement settles into a delicate sound of smooth vocals and soft guitar chords. Rising into a dazzling chorus where Tova’s silky voice glides beautifully above the dreamy instrumentation, their heartfelt lyrical writing adds an emotionally-charged context to this truly absorbing song.

Songs like “Ocean In Me” presents an exquisite showcase of the pair’s knack for crafting moving ballads via a delightful country pop sound. “Throw Down” offers a subtly danceable energy as upbeat drums and colourful guitar layers are capped by expressive vocal leads and lush backing harmonies.

Closing the EP with “Living Comes With Dying,” sixten creates a spellbinding sound of airy vocal harmonies that flutter above the stripped back arrangement of gentle guitar plucks and touches of piano as swirling instrumental tones add atmosphere and the hushed pulse of kick injects a steady rhythm. It’s a truly enchanting outing that puts their emotionally powerful lyrics on full display to provide the perfect finale to their impeccable new EP.

Commenting on the context behind the EP, they share, “When tragedy strikes or love hits you hard, many emotions can surge. Sometimes you’re unsure whether to allow yourself to feel intensely and express it or to tone yourself down and bottle up your emotions. The songs on the EP reflect both extremes – one moment, you’re almost burning up, and the next, you’re frozen.”

Listen to Misemotional below