Axel Flóvent – Fleeing the Shore
Axel Flóvent comes to us all the way from Iceland with his latest EP, Fleeing the Shore. This batch of songs is truly an exercise in self-isolation – Axel holed up in his home studio in Húsavík, challenging himself to explore simplicity through solitude. Some might call this the “Bon Iver method,” but after a listen through the quiet crush of Fleeing the Shore, we’re feeling like we might have to rename it… Here’s a little snippet from Axel himself regarding what this EP means to him:
“If I had to choose three words to describe this EP, they would be change, self-isolation, and solitude. These songs explore different forms of change, changes of the mind, of place, and a longing for transformation in general.”
You might be expecting nothing but an acoustic guitar, but opening song “Another Year” is as lush and beautiful as anyone could ever ask for. Channeling artists like Radical Face, Whitney, and the aforementioned Bon Iver, Axel’s first song burns with a slow intensity, layering the song thick with plucky guitar, acoustic strumming, thumping bass, and shuffling percussion. Mid-verses, the progression climbs to a stunning minor tonality, almost like the rise and fall of a deep breath. Ironic – the song itself is breathtaking on so many levels. It’s tough to pick a favorite from this EP, but “Another Year” gets our nod. If you listen to any of these songs, we’re happy to say that Axel started out strong, and we recommend this one the most.
Axel’s talent is spread out perfectly throughout Fleeing the Shore. The title track has the subtle, somber drone of cello, providing a sighing backbone to offset the reverse-effected keyboard motif that twinkles in the background. “Over One Night” plays out with a similar vibe, highlighting Axel’s penchant for layered vocals and hushed but intense dynamics.
Elsewhere, Axel eschews percussion for an acoustic feel – fully making use of that self-isolation vibe. On “Nowhere” and “Reassurance,” Axel’s voice lilts so, so powerfully, bringing to mind the solo work of Manchester Orchestra’s Andy Hull. It’s not always the full-throated yelling that gives you the chills – sometimes it’s the notes that barely squeak their way out of your throat. On “Nowhere,” Axel sings, “How could a year go by so quickly / self-pity will stop me from trying.” It’s these quiet moments of reflection, regret, and acceptance that hit the hardest. By the time you make it through album closer, “In The Grass,” the otherwise snowy-feeling music feels lively and lush with accompaniments of piano and strings. Even if it was unintentional, it felt to me like a fitting, life-giving end to an absolutely stunning EP.
Fleeing the Shore is out now (April 24th, 2026). Check out all the different ways to enjoy his music here.
Categorised in: Album Reviews
This post was written by Nick Sessanna