Pjos, a Poland-based independent artist with roots in Brazil, has steadily established himself as a compelling voice in dream-pop and shoegaze. His music, shaped by a melancholic yet cinematic essence, resonates deeply with those drawn to introspection and emotive soundscapes. Drawing inspiration from iconic acts like Slowdive, Mogwai, and Sigur Rós, Pjos combines these influences with his unique artistry to craft emotionally stirring tracks. Ever since he started his career in 2023 by releasing the cover song “Shoe In”, Pjos has taken on an independent approach, taking care of all facets of his work from composing to producing.
His third single, Everything Was Taken Away, released on November 15, 2024, is a moving examination of loss, resilience, and the emotional impact of life-changing events. The song incorporates themes of yearning and memories at its core, reflecting the universal fragility that comes with any type of loss. The ambient B-side, ‘But It’s Gonna Be Okay’, provides a poignant complement to the main track, ‘Everything Was Taken Away’, flowing effortlessly from its outro to create a sense of continuity, and offering a meditative reprieve and a message of eventual solace. Together, these compositions reflect Pjos’ growth as an artist, cementing his ability to blend raw emotion with immersive soundscapes.
The opening moments of “Everything Was Taken Away” immediately creates an atmosphere of quiet sorrow and reflection. A female voice softly utters the titular words, “Everything was taken away,” imbuing them with a tone of wistful sadness. This haunting introduction is seamlessly followed by sharp, piercing piano melodies that set the emotional foundation for the song. The piano’s solemn notes are soon intertwined with tense and eerie electric guitar strums, crafting an atmospheric backdrop that feels haunting and mystical.
As the instrumentation unfolds, Pjos’ restrained vocals emerge, weaving delicately into the soundscape. His understated delivery, positioned beneath the instrumental layers, mirrors the theme of vulnerability and longing. The opening lines “feeling sorry for your last misfortune, drawing roses from our dream come true, kill my heart with unforgiving silence, see the stars for everything we grew” are laden with pain and introspection. These words evoke imagery of shattered dreams and the ache of lost connection, resonating with anyone who has experienced profound grief. The understated vocal delivery amplifies this sentiment, allowing the lyrics’ weight to linger.
After the opening lines are sung, the song shifts focus to its instrumental composition, which gradually evolves with the introduction of rhythmic drums. The drums bring a dynamic intensity to the track, emphasizing the escalating emotions. This progression mirrors the waves of grief, moments of quiet despair giving way to surges of overwhelming emotion. The interplay between the sharp piano, haunting guitar, and rhythmic drums creates a layered and immersive listening experience. The growing intensity serves as a moment of catharsis, pulling the listener further into the narrative of loss and reflection.
At the 1:20 mark, “Everything Was Taken Away” takes an introspective turn as the instrumental intensity recedes. Stripping back to the solemn piano and guitar melodies, the instrumental regains its initial sense of vulnerability. The female voice returns, this time as a faint whisper beneath the instrumentation, repeating the words, “And just like that, everything was taken away.” This subtle addition feels like an echo of unresolved grief, haunting yet deeply human. From here, the track builds once more, reintroducing the drums and gradually restoring the earlier intensity. This ebb and flow of emotion throughout the song encapsulates the complex and non-linear nature of processing loss.
As the conclusion approaches, the repeated refrain “everything was taken away, taken away, taken away, away, away, from me” lingers with quiet power. Pjos’ subdued vocals remain restrained, emphasizing the lingering ache of loss rather than overpowering it. This delicate balance allows the listener to connect with the raw authenticity of the moment. After this repeated chorus, the song shifts into a calm instrumental conclusion, guided by atmospheric piano tunes. The last words, “But it’s gonna be okay,” are gently whispered, providing a ray of hope in the midst of sadness. This final moment seems like a gentle hug, comforting the audience that despite experiencing significant loss, comfort can still be found.
Pjos’ “Everything Was Taken Away” is an emotional voyage that invites listeners to confront the universal experience of loss with vulnerability, introspection, and ultimately, hope. Its touching narrative, complex musical arrangements, and deeply relatable topics forge a strong bond with its audience. As you explore this mesmerizing piece, immerse yourself in its theatrical environments and emotional lyrics. Make sure you don’t let the chance slip by to witness this authentic and emotive journey into the heart.
Listen to “Everything Was Taken Away” now and find solace in its reflective beauty.
For more information about Pjos, click the icons below:
