We previously featured Prince of Sweden for the enigmatic and conceptual Garrison Lane, and the intimate and immersive Lines Closed To Callers, so when we heard that the talented artist was back with Role Playing Games, we were curious to say the least, and couldn’t wait to listen and share our experience!
Establishing the mood with a dimensional, saxophone introduction akin to a detective movie scene, Prince of Sweden opens Role Playing Games with a playful energy, subtle cymbal details and situational prose as he shares a tale with the metaphorical words, “My resolution tries to falter, with my suit bag slung over my shoulder, the driver said that he’s on his way, but that the traffic was slow as I switched off the lamp in the window…”
The opus evolves with an expansion on the cinematic journey that we are on as Prince of Sweden showcases his poetic prowess and knack for visual song-writing! We appreciate the philosophical depth and the introspective nature of the story that manifests.
In essence, Role Playing Games paints a vivid scene of fleeting journeys and in-between spaces. Prince of Sweden captures both the intimacy and disorientation of travel, layered with a sense of searching and reflection.
The song, which is written and performed by Prince of Sweden, serves as the third single from his forthcoming second album The Start of Something Beautiful (2025). We learn that the track draws inspiration from eclectic influences like Tom Waits, Marc Ribot, and Ralph Carney, which we can feel come through, but there is also no doubt that Prince of Sweden‘s writing is unique to his own design.
Prince of Sweden is a UK-based songwriter who was raised in the countryside. He first picked up guitar from a neighbour across the farm, later moving to South London in his twenties. After an acclaimed debut album and an EP praised by outlets like CLASH, he has earned recognition as one of the most compelling voices in the current UK scene, balancing experimental post-rock sounds with classic storytelling.
Needless to say, we are in awe of Role Playing Games – the songwriting, the instrumentation and the cohesive and cinematic universe that Prince of Sweden creates. We have added the track to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist!