Karin Fransson grabs our attention with her irresistible voice in her upcoming EP Commuter Diaries, Vol. 3.
By Graeme Smith
Karin’s music is featuring on our blog for the first time thanks to her new record Commuter Diaries, Vol. 3, a three-song EP reflecting on a post-pandemic world and her own introspection during everyday commutes.
From the off we can tell we’re in for an emotional journey with Commuter Diaries, Vol. 3. Opening track Leave It Alone is rich with swelling strings, gentle acoustic guitar and compelling vocals. The lyrics are wonderfully relatable during a ponderous first verse before the chorus becomes soaring and cathartic. It’s a strong start.
Mindless Mutter ups the tempo and provides some percussive liveliness that urges you to sway along. Karin’s vocals take on an irresistible charm as they deliver philosophical, melancholic lyrics that nicely contrast the upbeat style of the instrumental. A whistling bridge is a highlight.
Burning Shivers simmers along with a sultry soulfulness that combines retro and modern elements well. The delicateness of Karin’s vocals are seductive. A live, acoustic version of the same track then rounds off the EP.
Though only four tracks long, there’s a depth to Karin’s new EP that makes it feel a lot grander than it is. The range of genres on display is impressive given its length, but all hold together cohesively thanks to her inimitable vocals. Karin has a unique way of grabbing the listeners attention with her voice, and has something to say with her lyrics. This is one that I really enjoyed greatly.
Commuter Diaries, Vol. 3 features contributions from Morten Ankarfeldt, Jessica Lauren, Alex Fletcher, Nick Van Gelder, and Erik Andersson. It was co-produced by Karin with Gisli Kristjansson (Mindless Mutter), Tom Loft Loffman (Leave It Alone), and Steve Holmes (Burning Shivers).
The EP will be out 2 August 2024.