I discovered the music of Mattias Wåhlberg, who performs under the moniker Sweeter than Sorrow, earlier this year when he released a hauntingly beautiful and elegant tune called ‘somersaults’. I labelled it “one of the most alluring, and enthralling tunes of the year”, and I firmly stand by that statement. Now, the Gothenburg-based musician returns with another absolute stunner – an intense, emotive, and soul-stirring rendition of the traditional folk song ‘House of the rising sun’.
After hearing a version of the Swedish folk tune ‘Who Can Sail Without the Wind?’, Wåhlberg was inspired to produce what he calls an “emotionally naked’ version of ‘House of the rising sun’. It’s a brave decision to cover such an iconic track but, in typical Sweeter than Sorrow fashion, Mattias pulls it off with poise and delicacy. Through a haunting arrangement and the artist’s Nick Cave-esque vocal performance, Wåhlberg’s cover will leave you speechless!
Speaking of his Sweeter than Sorrow project, Mattias says that it’s a therapeutic experience for him. “Playing to my strengths with delicate piano and voice brings forth the vulnerability that’s always been in me”. He’s a musician that we’ve come to adore of late and, with each new release, he offers up a unique and genuine sonic landscape that is simply too exciting to ignore!
Serious tune alert! Enjoy ‘House of the rising sun’ on Spotify now:
