And The Broken are a Swedish indie-folk/rock collective hailing from Malmö, composed of seasoned musicians from bands like Emerald Park, Björn’s vänner, Golden Kanine, and Chunks/God Grows His Own. Unlike many acts that rely on a flamboyant frontperson, this ensemble thrives on a democratic approach where each member shines in their own right. Their musical palette is impressively eclectic, drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources including Alice Babs, Alice Coltrane, Beachwood Sparks, Big Star, Yung Lean, and Old Dirty Bastard, yet their personal references often lean toward Wilco or Teenage Fanclub. The band balances experience with experimentation, and their sound reflects a careful blending of past influences with a modern sensibility that refuses to chase trends.
Their debut full-length album, “Changes,” released on the 8th of October 2025, is a compelling exploration of transformation, both personal and global. Across nine tracks, And The Broken craft a genre-blurring sound that seamlessly melds folk, indie rock, and alt-country, while retaining an intimate and reflective atmosphere. Recorded in a home setting at Tobias’ place and mixed by Andreas Ejnarsson and Linus Lindvall, the album embodies a warm, organic, and slightly lo-fi production that foregrounds acoustic instrumentation, understated electric guitar textures, and a supportive rhythm section. Every song prioritizes melody and narrative, allowing the storytelling vocals to shine and create an emotional connection with the listener.
Lyrically, the album excels in its introspection and thoughtful storytelling. The songs probe the complexities of human relationships, personal growth, and the passage of time, crafting vivid emotional landscapes that engage listeners on both a personal and universal level. Tracks like “Modern World” highlight the band’s ability to combine reflective lyricism with compelling melodic lines, drawing listeners into contemplative yet uplifting spaces. The nuanced vocal delivery across the album enhances this sense of intimacy, allowing the lyrics to breathe naturally within the arrangements.
Changes Album Track List:
Into The Black:
“Into The Black” opens “Changes” with a haunting, atmospheric presence that immediately draws the listener into the album’s emotional core. The track begins with gentle, fingerpicked acoustic guitar, setting a reflective and intimate tone that gradually builds with subtle layers of instrumentation. Each instrument is given space to breathe, creating a minimalist yet rich arrangement that emphasizes depth and introspection. The addition of cello, played by Nelly Karinsdotter Pålsson, lends a distinctive warmth and melancholy, elevating the track’s emotional resonance and giving it a unique sonic signature within the album.
Vocally, the song is delivered with raw emotion, capturing vulnerability and longing in every phrase. The lyrics delve into themes of introspection and the search for meaning amidst darkness, resonating strongly with anyone who has faced periods of uncertainty or self-reflection. The production style is warm and intimate, with a subtle lo-fi quality that enhances authenticity and invites the listener to feel the immediacy of the performance. This choice in production complements the reflective tone of the song, allowing the vulnerability in both lyrics and vocals to remain front and center.
The backstory of the track adds another layer to its depth, as Tobias and Johan recorded the foundational tracks a day before the rest of the band joined, capturing an organic and spontaneous energy. Written by Johan Hellsten, the song draws influence from 1980s Australian bands and Greg Dulli, which contributes to its melancholic atmosphere. The careful combination of acoustic textures, emotive vocals, and cello creates a track that is both intimate and expansive, establishing “Into The Black” as a compelling and memorable opening to “Changes“.
Changes:
The title track, “Changes,” marks a shift in energy on the album, introducing a more upbeat tempo and a fuller, richer arrangement compared to the introspective opening of “Into The Black“. The instrumentation is layered and dynamic, featuring a driving rhythm section, melodic guitar lines, and the unexpected warmth of saxophone and mellotron. These additions create a sense of nostalgia and openness, giving the track a sunny, expansive feel that contrasts with the album’s earlier melancholy. The careful interplay of instruments ensures that the song maintains clarity while still feeling lush and textured.
Vocally, “Changes” is delivered with confidence and expressiveness, perfectly complementing the introspective yet optimistic lyrics. The song explores the inevitability of transformation, capturing the tension between resisting change and embracing personal growth. The vocals convey conviction without sacrificing warmth, allowing listeners to connect emotionally with the themes of evolution and self-discovery. The lyrics, paired with the bright and layered instrumentation, strike a balance between reflection and forward momentum, reinforcing the song’s central message of embracing life’s shifts.
The track’s origins add further depth to its character, as the first recordings were made during the winter of 2023 when guitarist Linus Lindvall visited Tobias’ home. Initially influenced by Dinosaur Jr., the song evolved into a laid-back American West Coast summer vibe, enhanced by the saxophone played by jazz student Svante Svärd and the mellotron, which contributed to its breezy and warm atmosphere. The polished yet organic production allows each instrument to shine, creating a track that is both emotionally resonant and musically vibrant. “Changes” stands as a highlight of the album, encapsulating the themes of growth and transformation that define the record.
Running Out Of Time:
“Running Out Of Time” introduces a mid-tempo groove to “Changes“, combining rhythmic guitar strumming with a steady drum pattern that gives the track a forward-moving momentum. The arrangement is layered with harmonized vocals that enrich the sonic texture, creating a sense of urgency and movement that mirrors the song’s thematic focus. The overall feel is soulful and laid-back, blending elements of pop and folk to craft a sound that is both accessible and emotionally engaging. A standout feature is the trumpet, played by Jens Lindgård, which adds a memorable melodic touch and elevates the track’s distinctive character.
Vocally, the song is reflective, conveying a quiet urgency as it explores the fleeting nature of time. The lyrics delve into the pressure of making meaningful choices and the awareness of life’s transience, resonating with listeners who may be grappling with their own experiences of impermanence. Originally inspired by a bird, the lyrical theme evolved to focus on aging, reflecting the band’s responsiveness to both personal insight and external feedback. This thematic evolution enhances the song’s depth, making it relatable and thought-provoking.
Production-wise, “Running Out Of Time” is clean and spacious, ensuring that each instrument and vocal line is distinct while supporting the song’s sense of movement and reflection. The layered harmonies, rhythmic drive, and melodic trumpet combine to create a track that feels both urgent and contemplative. Released as a single in August, the song received strong reviews and drew comparisons to Fleet Foxes and Mumford & Sons, highlighting And The Broken’s ability to merge folk sensibilities with thoughtful, emotionally resonant songwriting.
Me After Midnight:
“Me After Midnight” closes “Changes” with a subdued and contemplative tone, creating a reflective space for the album’s conclusion. The track is built around gentle acoustic guitar and ambient soundscapes, which slowly unfold and allow the song’s pacing to breathe. This careful arrangement fosters a sense of calm and introspection, inviting listeners to linger on the subtle emotional textures embedded in the music. Every element, from the delicate instrumentation to the atmospheric layering, contributes to a serene yet emotionally resonant experience.
The vocals are intimate and reflective, delivered with vulnerability and clarity that deepen the song’s emotional impact. Lyrically, the track explores self-perception and the quiet moments of clarity that emerge in the stillness of night. Themes of self-discovery and the ongoing process of change are central, capturing the nuanced inner dialogue that often accompanies solitude and late-night reflection. The vocals work in harmony with the understated instrumentation, highlighting the introspective nature of the song and giving listeners a sense of personal connection.
The production emphasizes intimacy and space, allowing the subtle nuances of the performance to shine through. Tobias wrote “Me After Midnight” following a night out with his friend Jonatan, who also contributed the album’s artwork, reflecting a personal narrative that underpins the song’s reflective mood. The track’s soft, atmospheric approach creates a fittingly contemplative ending for “Changes“, leaving listeners with a quiet, introspective resonance that encapsulates the album’s broader themes of transformation, self-awareness, and emotional honesty.
Musically, “Changes” is characterized by its understated arrangements and acoustic focus, which draw inspiration from acts like Fleet Foxes, Mumford & Sons, Great Lake Swimmers, First Aid Kit, REM, and Calexico. The band’s DIY production approach emphasizes sincerity over polish, giving the album a raw yet inviting feel that amplifies the emotional weight of the lyrics. Each track explores different facets of change, from intimate self-reflection to broader societal observations, giving the album a cohesive thematic throughline that resonates deeply without ever feeling forced.
“Changes” also stands out for its meticulous use of space and dynamics. The band’s arrangements provide ample room for each instrument and vocal line to resonate, creating a sense of depth and immediacy that draws listeners into each moment. The subtle layering of acoustic and electric textures, along with dynamic shifts in tempo and intensity, ensures that the album feels both expansive and personal, offering a listening experience that rewards close attention while remaining accessible.
Changes is a Heartfelt And Introspective Debut album By And The Broken, Blending Folk, Indie, And Alt-rock To Explore Personal Growth, Transformation, And Emotional Resonance
Ultimately, “Changes” is a bold and heartfelt debut that firmly establishes And The Broken as a band capable of merging heartfelt songwriting with inventive musicality. Its blend of folk, indie rock, and alt-country elements, combined with intimate vocals and authentic production, makes it a significant contribution to the contemporary Swedish music scene. This album is not just a collection of songs, but a journey through transformation, captured with honesty and artistry, inviting listeners to experience the depth and nuance of a band making music they truly love.
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