Byorn Gold - Elody (For My Children, part 01) (2025) Hi Res

We hear the term “sonic journey” used all too often to describe music—and, all too often, it is misused. Music is always an experience but not always a journey; the two are very different things. If you want to know what a sonic journey sounds like, you need to get more familiar with the world of Byorn Gold. Do that, and you will know precisely what the term means.

Although it is something familiar to all of his albums, he explores the concept further than ever with his latest, Elody (For My Children, part 1.) Again, like much of his recent work, he has chosen to release the songs as three EPS of four songs over the three months ahead of the final release.

But it is only when considering the album as a whole, in its final, full, finished form, that you understand its scope. Each EP looks at a part of childhood, viewed from the parent’s perspective, and encapsulates the hopes and fears, experiences, and insights that come with that stage of life. This is where it all comes together.

The “Fresh Outlooks” EP marks the start of the journey, and opener, “Welcome To This World,” is the obvious place to start, a chiming slice of acoustic pop to welcome both a child into the world and us, the listener, into his sonic realm. “Heart Calm Down” and the funky thrills of “Get It Done” speak of that balance between the excitement and fear that come with being responsible for a new life and the realization that there are no right or wrong ways to look after a child, there is just whatever works. The former, a soulful, lilting ballad, also reminds us that these moments are the moments we should cherish, fleeting and the future memories that will become most dear to us.

“The Most Adult Underage Person I Know” is a transitional song. It rocks along with glee and gusto and acts as the bridge between these songs of early childhood and the considerations of the approaching teenage years.

The “Growing Pains” EP tackles those problematic years when our offspring are not children anymore but not yet truly adults. “Ever Since” wraps bluesy, West Coast rock around that feeling of separation, a child gone from the home too young, either in reality or metaphorically, the understanding that the bonds between parent and child are not as strong, not as absolute as they once were. “Love Overload” continues this theme of allowing children to grow into their own space and become who they feel they should be, and that sometimes you have to step back. It’s infused with that scintillating sound of seventies pop-soul, as much as modern neo-soul, a timeless sound for a timeless theme.

“I Must Have Been There” looks back from a future point at a parent’s effect on their child, even if the evidence of their impact on their life didn’t seem forthcoming at the time. But the proof is found in the person they became and isn’t best judged by photographs and mementos.

Again, things end this chapter in a transitional moment, “Sad Dad” reflecting on how hard it is to get the balance right between doing what has to be done and the child’s view of them. It talks of making fresh starts, forgiveness, and feelings of inadequacy and underlines this next point of development in the relationship as they become adults.

“Guardian Angel,” the first song from the final EP, “Lasting Footprints”, is perfect as a summation for this album as a whole. Its gentle flows and cascades of guitar carry the sentiment that you will always be watching over them, no matter the distance or barrier between you. Sometimes, it is hard to balance your feelings with the life your now adult son or daughter is building for themselves. All you can do is try to keep them safe, advise them, and offer help, but ultimately, remember that it is their life to be lived. Often, all you can do is pick them up when they fall and know that they now also do that themselves. Often, that is enough.

The shuffling grooves of “I Hope That You’ll Find” contain the acceptance that your life and theirs will be different, and all you can do is watch from afar and hope that they surround themselves with the right people, make the right choices and grow into their full potential. But also, the hope that they won’t forget their parents and the love you used to guide them.

The last two songs on this EP focus on the feelings that arise once the child has flown from the nest. “Got Used To” articulates the emotions that tumble through the mind when you come home to an empty house having spent years surrounded by someone else’s presence, their music, their belongings, and their noise. It is a glorious country-infused plea, an anthem to the post-child years.

This, in turn, leads to more reflection, a gentle ballad that reminds us that when you see your children taking on the world, building new lives, making the right choices, being successful, being happy, and being loved, you, as a parent can honestly say that you did “The Best That I Can.”.

This is a brilliant sentiment to end on, the perfect opposite number from that opening song that deals with hopes and fears for the future as the child first comes into the world. This is now the nostalgic footnote that reminds you that you did alright after all.

It is not only a sonic journey in the truest sense of the word but one we can all relate to. Even if you haven’t been blessed with children, there is much here that reflects other aspects of life and which mirrors friendships and relationships, siblings, and other meaningful bonds.

This is a truly meaningful journey and an album as full of fantastic and genre-hopping music as our minds are full of meaningful memories.

Now, rumour has it that Byorn Gold will turn to movies next. I look forward to hearing what that might sound like!