Sven Wunder - Daybreak [CD]

Format: CD
Catalogue No.: PP1005CD
Barcode: 7320470276587   
Release Date: 03 Oct 2025
Genre: Rare Groove/Library/Jazz/Soundtracks

‘HIS COMPOSITIONS ARE SOLID AND ARRANGEMENTS INGENIOUS; SO RELAX, GO WITH IT AND ENJOY RUBBERY BASSLINES, FUNKY FLUTES AND NIMBLE XYLOPHONE BREAKS JUST LIKE ENNIO MORRICONE, LALO SCHIFRIN OR DAVID AXELROD USED TO MAKE’ - 4/5 MOJO

‘HARMONIOUS AND HYPNOTIC, DAYBREAK IS AN EASY SPACE TO OCCUPY. STRAP IN! FOR THE FILM/LIBRARY MUSIC HYPER-TRIPS OF SVEN WUNDER’ - MOJO ‘RISING’ FEATURE

‘HIS FIFTH AND MOST ACCOMPLISHED LP TO DATE…IT’S THIS COMBINATION OF THE DREAMY AND  HAZY WITH THE UPBEAT, THE HYPNOTIC AND THE DOWNRIGHT FUNKY THAT GIVE DAYBREAK SUCH AN ACCOMPLISHED, VARIED TEXTURE, PRECISELY IN THE STYLE OF THE CLASSICS’ - 4/5 SHINDIG! 

‘PHARRELL WILLIAMS- ENDORSED, FORMERLY INCOGNITO SWEDE CELEBRATES HIS
UNMASKING. WUNDER RARELY DILUTES NOR PASTICHES HIS INSPIRATIONS’ - 8/10 UNCUT 

‘THE GRAMMY-NOMINATED SWEDISH COMPOSER DEFTLY BLENDS LIBRARY MUSIC , JAZZ AND PSYCH SHIMMERS INTO SUBLIMELY EVOCATIVE SOUNDSCAPES’ - 4/5 NARC       Limited SRD Exclusive - 180g Black Vinyl with Flip-Back Sleeve. Non-Returnable.
Limited SRD Exclusive - Sky Blue Vinyl with Flip-Back Sleeve. INDIES ONLY. Non-Returnable.

Daybreak is Sven Wunder’s fifth full-length album, seamlessly continuing the progression of his musical oeuvre. It takes the listener on a vivid maritime expedition, beginning the moment the first rays of light break the darkness of the night and embarking on a lush journey through the early hours of the day and far beyond, until the light slowly fades and night falls once again. 

True to Wunder’s now-distinctive artistry, Daybreak is marked by elaborately crafted compositions and elegant pop-jazz arrangements for flute, percussion, brass and strings—supported by a decisive rhythm section, all of which add depth and build on his body of work, continuing to unfold his creative path.

Since his 2019 debut album, Doğu Çiçekler (Eastern Flowers), under the enigmatic moniker of Sven Wunder, Danell has become something of a sensation via a string of records spanning jazz, pop, soul, psychedelia and easy listening. His records, which have drawn comparisons to titans like David Axelrod, have been given extensive acclaim, as well as major award nominations, and he’s collaborated with the likes of Danny Brown, as well as seen his music featured in major fashion campaigns by Tyler, The Creator. “Every day is a ‘pinch me’ moment,” he says.

To say this is a cinematic album that is rich in orchestral arrangements is almost an understatement. It’s a record filled with lush compositions that are bold, sweeping and engulfing, as well as subtle, tender and contained, as he harnesses the full range and power of a string orchestra. “It was inspiring to really dig deep into my love for all of the colors that you can get out of the orchestra,” Danell explains. “The shimmering elements of a woodwind section on top of the deep colorful landscape of the string chamber. This record is deeply inspired by my love for soundtracks, OST records and library music.”

While Danell is the sole man behind this project, one that has already established such a strong and singular identity, there’s contributors who have brought this one to life too. A huge bunch of Swedish jazz musicians who are also close friends feature, as does the legendary drummer and producer Malcolm Catto played, while the strings were recorded with the aforementioned Stockholm Studio Orchestra conducted by Erik Arvinder. 

The end result is perhaps Danell’s most bold and special album to date. “This record has a special place in my heart,” he says. “It took me years to finish and it is the most ambitious album I’ve made. It’s been a ride.”

SOME PREVIOUS PRESS:
‘’Elusive Swede Sven Wunder returns with a luxurious dip into the rhythms and sonics of mid-70s library music’’ - The Quietus https://thequietus.com/articles/30054-sven-wunder-natura-morta-review
‘On tracks such as Impasto and All Prima sweeping strings, emotive guitars, grandiose harpsichords and plaintive flutes evoke the work of Morricone and Umiliani’ **** Record Collector.
''A dazzling kaleidoscope of melody, rhythm and groove that's perfect for soundtracking hot humid nights and lazy summer days..'' 4/5 BIG ISSUE
       
Tracklist
1. Setting Off 2. Misty Shore  3. Take A Seat 4. Daybreak 5. Still Moorings 6. Scenic Byway 7. Leeward 8. Windward 9. Resting Place 10. Warmer Air 11. Deep Sea 12. Turning Tides 13. Liquid Mountains