Tranas is a micro-city deep within Sweden’s dense woods. Within that city is the hidden musical treasure, DEGREES (DGRS). DEGREES, comprised of Mikael Jakobsson and Rickard Folke’s dynamic duo, unveil their emotional journey with “Pt. V”, their fifth and final album, which had lain hidden until 2023 when it was made public thanks to collaboration with German indie label Aenaos Records.
DEGREES’ debut album begins with cinematic allure as they present “You Don’t Know What Love Is”. Subtle yet distorting synth ambience sets the scene and gradually gives way to a beat from distant echos that gradually emerges throughout its duration, creating a mesmerising sonic environment full of hidden surprises with each listen. A truly compelling invitation into DEGREES’ musical universe.
Moving onto track seven, ‘A Little Too Well’ offers an unexpected change of pace with its rock-influenced vibe and full band arrangement. Lyricism on this track features introspective themes yet maintains an upbeat tone, then as its chorus plays out it spirals upward into blissful exuberance for an experience that bridges both introspect and exuberance.
“Everywhere All The Time”, opens with drumbeats to set an exciting journey into an intricate world of synths and dark bass. Reverberating, dreamy vocals guide listeners through an auditory journey of light and shade, building to an emotional crescendo at its conclusion that leaves an audience feeling as though they have traversed an incredible musical terrain.
At the core of DEGREES’ music lies two friends, Mikael Jakobsson and Rickard Folke, who met each other in 2001 at Tranas and fell quickly in love with its soundscapes and vibe. Following an official formation of DEGREES in September 2008 they recorded “Pt. V,” recorded in 2012 but remaining unreleased until its rediscovery and subsequent release through Aenaos Records 10 years later in 2023.
DEGREES’ fifth album is a unique blend of synth ambience, rock vibes, and dreamy vocals that transcend time. Be drawn in by the cinematic opening track “You Don’t Know What Love Is” or experience its uplift through “A Little Too Well”, their musical adventure through Tranas will not disappoint – plus their emotive yet experimental soundscapes make “Pt. V” an appropriate conclusion to their journey.
You can find more of DEGREES at:
You can listen to ‘Pt.V’ below:
Karen Harding is a Melbourne, Australia based singer/songwriter, founder of Sounds On The Couch, and founder and operator of boutique music PR service for emerging and independent artists, Rise Indie.