Byorn Gold, an artist we met recently thanks to the release of his touching album ‘Elody’, is back in the spotlight, delivering a new album, and news of much more to come. With a mission to release a quartet of albums this year, Byorn is wasting no time, sharing the thirteen-track adventure of ‘Borderlines’.
An ambitious project that sees Byorn bringing together three distinct EPs, ‘Borderlines’ sees him collaborating with two talented film score writers and producers, translating his guitar-driven narratives into a truly cinematic experience. As Gold himself puts it, "Now I only wish the songs could have become part of the movies, but in any case, they can now live alongside them."
Diving in, the album opens with ‘Stories From Before Dawn’, an EP deeply influenced by film. First up is ‘Original Sun’ which immediately takes you back to the golden age of cinema. It's a grand, sweeping acoustic piece adorned with cinematic strings that perfectly capture the delicate romance of film. This cinematic element continues proudly in ‘That’s How It Could Be’, balancing understated beauty with ethereal sonics to evoke those perfect, fleeting moments of potential love. Both songs are inspired by ‘Before Sunrise’ a 1995 romantic drama and itself part of a trilogy.
Shifting gears, ‘Book of Life’, inspired by the animated movie ‘Coco’, is a gentle, piano-led ballad, enriched by string washes, shimmering percussion, and prominent brass, while his vocals bring that intimate, human touch. This first EP comes to an end with ‘You Are Free’, a more subdued, soulful ballad that seems to channel the classic 'hero's journey' theme. It’s a moment of more personal, hushed reflection, letting this initial EP breathe before diving into the next.
In the second instalment, ‘Stories from the Western Edge’, Byorn seems to spring into a more vibrant and distinctive pop style. ‘What Side Are You On’ kicks things off with a smooth, bossa nova-infused beat, smoky jazz vibes, and soaring vocal refrains, while ‘Let Me Be Absolved’ finds it’s strength in more ambient tones and shimmering, classical strings arrangements. Both songs draw on ‘Bad Time at the El Royale’, tying elements of the film into their movements.
Intricate guitar work is at the fore on ‘It’s A Complicated World’, portraying Don Shirley as the 2018 movie ‘Green Book’ did, with simmering alongside subtle orchestration, while ‘Last Man Standing’ kicks up the dust with a true Spaghetti Western feel.
The final chapter, ‘Stories from the Middle Ages’, looks to shake things up further, providing another expansive and wonderfully eclectic collection of songs. ‘Warrior’, a song that portrays Richard the Lionheart is a strong opening track, blending classic medieval sounds with a touch of modern energy, while ‘The Monk’ (portraying the young Adso of Melk from the 1986 movie ‘The Name of the Rose’ and based on Umberto Eco’s book of the same name) stands tall as a highlight on the album. ‘The Monk’ also stands apart as the only song to have its own prelude, a special moment where Byorn conjures up sweeping instrumentals and rising moments that shine with serenity and a gentle bell toll, and a final triumphant flourish.
In the closing songs, ‘U and Me Tonite’ conjures up starred romances and pop perfection for two actors playing Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, while ‘Story Maker’ leaves you on a poignant, poetic note and a subtle nod to Dante’s ‘Inferno’. Built around slowly building strings that add a nuanced backing to Byorn’s narrative driven style.
While the focus and inspiration may be cut from a very different cloth than ‘Elody’, the heart and drive is no less impressive. Together, ‘Borderlines’ is a compelling reminder of the power stories hold, whether written, but to film, or recorded to tape.
You can stream the full album above, and for more, be sure to connect with Byorn Gold on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
