Each Measure Feature: Tobias Arbo

FEATURE

For listeners looking to reflect on life, the Yellow Woods debut album from Swede Tobias Arbo might be the perfect fit. Arbo is multi-talented, from songwriting and producing to playing a variety of instruments on the record. The influences by artists like Bon Iver are evident, especially when considering that Arbo worked with Iver’s producer, Zach Hanson, along with Linus and Hannes Hasselberg to make the album so captivating. Arbo didn’t stop at the music, though, because he worked with Olof Grind, an infamous photographer, to create the artwork. All of this effort was to complement the central themes of uncertainty and change on the album.

Yellow Woods is a soothing, introspective record that takes the overwhelming feeling of change and helps to calm listeners. With eight tracks on the album, Arbo designed each song to guide listeners to choose a path to get clear of the metaphorical woods. I found the soft guitar strings, coupled with Arbo’s vocals, to deliver on this message. I also appreciate the concept of the yellow stoplight as a choice between stopping or going forward. The artist said Yellow Woods helped him to overcome his own battles with isolation and depression, and I can see why. He used the album as a way to guide listeners to find their own comfort and peace, which is a valiant effort that deserves an audience.

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