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Jambase (US) 041104
http://www.jambase.com






First in Line EP
Thomas Denver Jonsson

Thomas Denver Jonsson & The September Sunrise: First In Line EP
Forget Nicolai Dunger or Sondre Lerche, if you're looking for a sterling singer-songwriter 
from the northern tip of Europe then it's Thomas Denver Jonsson you want. After releasing 
his superb debut album last year, Jonsson has been touring heavily with the likes of Rosie 
Thomas and Damien Jurado, honing his sunshine-infused songs with his remarkably intuitive 
band. Clearly influenced by American underground idol Will Oldham (Bonnie Prince Billie, 
Palace Brothers), he manages to borrow the spirit of lonesome indie folk without the need to 
emulate the sound. Jonsson addresses the darkness without the mannered moodiness of his 
peers; life is a mix of light and shadow and the sooner one accepts that the better. This EP 
offers the Harvest-period Neil Young-esque album take of "First In Line" followed by a 
lovely, stripped back live version with Rosie singing harmonies and Jurado on piano. This is 
followed by two gorgeous acoustic tracks, with some particularly nice pedal steel 
ornamentation on "The City and the Outside World." And "24 Seven" is a respite from the 
go-go pace of today that still understands why we move as we do. It's easy to fall for 
Jonsson's quivering English and rough-carved voice. This young Swede is going to be around 
far longer than the proverbial 15 minutes most of the others coming out of his scene will 
enjoy. These five tracks just further my belief that he's the real deal, a special artist 
who's just waiting to find his audience. It's only going to take a lucky appearance on a hit 
soundtrack like Garden State or an opening slot for an established American folkie before 
the doors open for him. Why not invite him in now rather than waiting until your friends 
start telling you about him? 


DENNIS COOK