Coming out of Uppsala in Sweden, Northern Trails are a five-piece band who’ve created their shared sonic vision around melody, atmosphere and the enduring belief that a great song can still leave a lasting mark. Drawing from Americana, Britpop and Swedish indie pop stylings, the group creates music that feels equally accessible and original, driven by emotional songwriting and delivered with an assured confidence that’s earned them attention from around the world since their formation.
The story of Northern Trails began in May 2022 when Christer Tinnerholm and Thomas Isberg decided to swap some of their time spent ultra running to focus on music. Joined by Per Larsson and Ulf Eklund, the musicians quickly found their own creative language and set about recording what would become the Hearts Went Frozen EP, which landed in late 2023. The project marked the first public window into their sound, introducing listeners to a band offering a sound brimming with warmth, melody and thoughtful songwriting.
An unexpected moment helped complete the line-up; after hearing the single âAQâ on Swedish radio, Thomas Strömbom reached out to ask whether the group needed a keyboard player. The answer was yes and since then, Northern Trails have performed as a quintet, with the five musicians developing the chemistry that now shines throughout both their recordings and live shows. Within their sound, there’s echoes of the 90s indie tradition, with Northern Trails taking inspiration from records that placed songwriting at the centre of everything. The emotional context associated with R.E.M.âs iconic Automatic for the People, the expansive melodic style of Keane and the wide appeal of early Coldplay all sit somewhere within their musical output.
Having continued to expand their catalogue while building a growing reputation across Swedenâs live circuit, this year they’ve unveiled a new series of singles leading toward an upcoming EP. The latest chapter arrives in the form of âMe and My Gold,â the second single from the bandâs current run of releases. Issued through the Tintonic Music imprint, the track thematically explores a deeply relatable conflict, presenting a song about wanting change while remaining attached to the habits, patterns and comforts that make transformation difficult.
Drifting into focus with delicate guitar flickers and the shuffle of percussion, bright piano lines float in and the patter of kick builds up the energy. Developing with bluesy lead guitar licks and intricate instrumental plucks, the band casts an engrossing soundscape that swells before simmering down to leave space for the hushed vocals to enter. With emotive melodic leads and poignant lyrics gliding above the steady rhythmic march, the arrangement surges with stacks of guitars and rising vocal intensity, forming an utterly arresting listening experience packed full of spectacular melodic lines and anthemic energy.
Flowing through moments of rousing instrumental flourishes and a stripped back, vocal led passage, “Me and My Gold” sees Northern Trails deliver a thrilling musical voyage unlike any other. As Northern Trails continue building toward their highly anticipated forthcoming EP, âMe and My Goldâ stands as a compelling statement of artistic intent, showcasing a band with incredible songwriting flair and performance panache.
Listen to Me and My Gold below
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