The Sunny and the Rainy Ones Too – Martinas Mixtape

Not all music needs to start a party, get you on the dance floor or reduce you to tears. Life often happens in-between these moments – over a couple of glasses of wine during dinner, while reading (or scrolling) on the sofa or lounging in bed.

Martinas Mixtape EP The Sunny and the Rainy Ones Too appears created explicitly for these times. The title alone reveals the all-encompassing atmosphere within.

The Swedish band presents soulful jazz songs that warm and chill EP equally through a quartet of original tracks. Not to say this is nondescript background music. With or without a good book, the atmosphere they create is welcoming, comforting and gorgeous. As a comparison, I’d say Martinas Mixtape travel alongside US band Moonchild – easy to adore vibes.

The EP opens with a gem. The background voices in the intro ‘Air Balloon‘ appears wonderfully apt as the single feels like stepping into a bar where everyone knows your name.

The production is sure to satisfy enthusiasts demanding hi-fi sound. It retains a ‘live’ feel, so the details such as the tight drum licks, distinguished soft keys and impeccable vocals by Martina Steffner, soothing and soulful, have an open presence.

Undoubtedly, Martina is the bands’ signature sound. Her calm and eloquent tones are without exaggeration or imitation and with enough characterisation to identify. She makes it all effortless to enjoy.

See You Around is as gentle as a leisurely boat rocking on the water. This soul caressing single eases with the enchantment of a dream. This delicious warm single has summer imprinted all over it. Similarly, the shimmering single, Unbothered displays quality neo-soul arrangements and touching, well-written lyrics are part of Martinas Mixtape’s DNA.

Always, echoing gospel soul with faint organ keys and magnificent outro harmonies, completes a delectable EP and leaves you wanting more.

Sadly soulful music this good doesn’t get the coverage it deserves. At least not across Scandinavia and especially in Sweden. I really hope that changes. Until then Martinas Mixtape is solely ours to appreciate. So, settle on the sofa and enjoy.

*** Also strongly suggest Martinas Mixtape – Someone To to continue the experience. ***