Of all the artists I cover on York Calling, it’s the lyricists that I keep coming back to. Prince of Sweden is among the best of them.

By Graeme Smith

My coverage of the London-based singer-songwriter goes back to 2021, and he’s never disappointed with his releases since then.

His new record, The Start of Something Beautiful, is a concept album, telling the story of a woman who runs away to Paris, and a man who tries to find her. It’s introduced by James, I Can’t Stay, a single we’ve previously featured, which sets the scene by reading out her departure letter against a backdrop of soft, classic rock and roll.

As ever, Prince of Sweden’s beautiful wordplay is at the forefront of his music. Poetic descriptions bring the album’s story to life and brings a wry grin to the lips as you listen. The descriptions transport you into a noir version of the modern world.

Musically, the collection gives us variety, at times gentle and nostalgic, at other times giving us fiery indie rock akin to Arctic Monkeys. There are jazzy, vaudevillian moments, and some enveloping lushness.

It all takes us to a cinematic conclusion at the Rue De Martyrs which you just need to hear for yourself.

The Start of Something Beautiful was recorded on the roof of a warehouse in the Dockyard Industrial Estate, Woolwich, at Zigzag studios in the summer of 2024. The intimate recording was pulled together with the help of sound engineer, producer, guitarist and singer, Tom Baird, and an old friend named Ed, who played the sax.

It’s out now, and you can listen to it below.