REVIEW: Jonsjooel - ‘Voices of a First Day’ EP

Jonsjooel’s new EP, Voices Of A First Day, is a beautiful tribute to nature and an exploration of human connection and meaning. Infused with folk, jazz, and electronica, the Berlin-based Finnish composer creates a world that feels at once intimate and boundless.

The standout track, “So Many Ways” serves as the EP’s emotional nucleus. With its cinematic soundscaping and an undercurrent of melancholic tension, the song masterfully balances on the edge of disintegration. Jonsjooel’s gentle, introspective vocals meander through heavy notes that pulse with weight, creating a haunting meditation on time, regret, and the emotional fragility of existence. The lyrics— ambiguous yet deeply resonant— invite listeners to interpret their own narratives, a move that enhances the song’s universality.

Inspired by Robert Lawlor’s book Voices of the First Day, which celebrates the harmony of Australia’s aboriginal people with nature, Jonsjooel’s EP extends this philosophy into sound. Each track feels like a reflection of something intangible, a spiritual exploration rendered audible.

Utilizing his background in jazz, Jonsjooel’s compositions embrace a balance between structure and improvisation. The instrumentation feels organic yet layered with complexity, blending sparse piano with scattered percussive elements and ethereal electronic textures.

Jonsjooel’s lyrical themes of self-care, forgiveness, and compassion carry over from his earlier work, such as his 2023 debut solo album Lullabies for Younger Self. However, Voices Of A First Day delves deeper, venturing into the metaphysical. The EP reflects on humanity’s spiritual bond with the natural world, echoing the philosophies in Lawlor’s book. 

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