The Magnolia Return with Muscle In
Albin Lee Meldau and Arvid Nero reunite their Gothenburg band for a warm, modern soul comeback.
One of Sweden’s most respected soul bands, The Magnolia, returns after a 10-year break. In that time, lead vocalists Albin Lee Meldau and Arvid Nero built strong solo careers in Sweden.
The band stepped away just as their music began to travel beyond Scandinavia’s shores. What set them apart was clear early on. Two distinct male vocalists, sharp songwriting, and a sound rooted in classic soul. Formed in Gothenburg around 2010, they drew on both local influences and a wider tradition in their music. Their only album, First Time (2015), regarded as a Scandinavian soul classic, is still one that listeners return to.
Now they’re back with Muscle In. The new single comes from sessions with American songwriter and producer Old Sea Brigade, also known as Benjamin George Cramer. Together, they’ve shaped a track that keeps The Magnolia’s identity intact while opening the sound slightly.
“So happy that The Magnolia woke up from its slumber and got back together. I’ve always felt that we had something unique going on, and it’s so cool that we’re now releasing new music,” says Arvid Nero.
There’s no pump or flex here! Muscle In leans into what they do best — tight harmonies, thoughtful lyrics, and a steady sense of movement. There’s a gospel tone in the arrangement and a tempo that feels like a smooth train ride to soul city!
Albin’s vocals sit right in the centre, deeply expressive but controlled, while the band supports with a fuller sound. It connects naturally with their earlier material, and there’s a sense they’ve grown into it.
For those who followed The Magnolia from the start, this will feel familiar in the right way. For new listeners, it’s an easy entry point into a band that always had more to give.
The Magnolia consists of Albin Lee Meldau (vocals and guitar), Arvid Nero (vocals and guitar), Gabriel Castro (bass), Pontus Hedström (piano), and Kalle Stenbäcken (drums), now joined by Benjamin George Cramer on guitar.
Hearing them again brings back a sense of unfinished business. This return feels less like a comeback and more like picking up where they left off. Welcome back, guys! We’ve really missed you!
