In an era where music often relies on gimmicks and overproduction, Jon-Olov Woxlin‘s Junk Trunk stands as a testament to the enduring power of raw, unfiltered artistry. The allure throughout this offering, which was recorded during one December afternoon of last year, lies not only in Woxlin’s lyrical prowess but also in the arresting musical backdrop that envelops his tales—sculpted like no other even where time is a fleeting currency.
Woxlin’s wordplay mastery takes center stage from the moment the needle drops on “Exit Sign Explicit”. Lyrics like “Turning the page, making minimum wage as the morning breaks” usher in a journey of pure realism and vivid imagery, hinting at what living on the edge feels like as it closes with the line, “I try to be honest—I’m wanted in Juárez / Where’s the exit? I’d really like to find it.” Just the perfect opener to the rest of Junk Trunk‘s gems.
Captivating, albeit somehow laid-back in its poise, the 12-track record weaves contemporary, unadorned lyrics into a tapestry of musical storytelling. One of the standout tracks, “Our Journey’s Just Begun”, showcases Woxlin’s ability to paint pictures with words. He effortlessly conjures images with lines like “Just like a picture / By Edgar Degas,” using real-world references to amplify the song’s thematic progression. It exudes an undeniable twangy Americana flavor, embellished with hints of folk inspirations.
Each track on Junk Trunk carries its own unique fingerprint, immersing listeners in a plunge of acoustic goodness. Joining Woxlin on this project are the talented Björn Petersson on double bass and Erik Gunnars Risberg, whose impressive arsenal includes the steel guitar, dobro, mandolin, and fiddle. This union of talents can arguably be most appreciated with the track “Junk Trunk Blues”, where the playful interplay between the resonant double bass and nimble guitars is nothing short of intoxicating, stirring an irresistible urge to leap from one’s seat and surrender to the rhythmic cadence.
Indeed, Junk Trunk embodies the limitless wellspring of innovation that can be tapped into within the constraints of fleeting moments. Jon-Olov Woxlin’s honesty becomes a mirrored reflection of the album itself, leaving us with a tantalizing sense of curiosity and a plethora of unresolved inquiries. Rather than neatly tying up loose ends, this audacious approach invites us to delve deeper into the enigmatic depths of his genius.
Listen to the album in full below.
Sam is a mediocre artist, musician, and the founder and editor in chief of UNXIGNED. He is a Juris Doctor who leads an excitingly boring life in the confines of his room juggling studies with passion and dreams. He is terrible at finding balance but gets by anyhow. He wants you to follow his artist pages and channels for when he decides to up his game. Pretty open for collabs and will mix your would-be hit song for cheap.