Kai Nanfelt – Sober (2020)
With his sophisticated and mature sound, one would imagine folk-pop singer Kai Nanfelt to have more than a decade of musical experience to his name. Thing is, he only began playing the guitar two or so years ago. Citing Ed Sheeran, John Mayer and Brandi Carlile as major influences, Nanfelt approaches controversial topics with a smooth, flowing vibe. Using his music as a catharsis for personal mental health challenges, he also prompts discussions of the taboo issues of anxiety and depression. One of the most recent releases from the US-based singer-songwriter is ‘Sober’.
Penned in 2019 as a tribute to a childhood friend who was experiencing a stressful time at that point, ‘Sober’ touches on issues of suicide, addiction and mental health difficulties. At a loss for words or actions, Nanfelt felt music would be a cathartic means of communication to help his friend. Happy fact: Nanfelt’s friend states that the song “saved his life” at a time when he was at his lowest. So, it has to be really powerful, doesn’t it?
As with most of his music, ‘Sober’ combines Nanfelt’s rich vocals with acoustic guitar and percussion; however, this single seems to have a more endearing element than other tracks available. Perhaps it is the stripped-back, bare-bones style which enhances the poignancy of the single, but it could also be the intense emotion in his warm vocals that touch one’s heart. Written as a way of dealing with depression and anxiety, the seriousness of the theme needs to be considered, yet Nanfelt’s dulcet tones incite feelings of hopefulness and optimism amidst a chasm of melancholy.
Soul-stirring, heartwarming and incredibly moving, ‘Sober’ is a calming track filled with raw honesty. I don’t know what it is but the languid melody with charming vocals enters your brain, reverberates down your spine and leaves you lying in a pool of tears.
For more from Kai Nanfelt check out his Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
