Sturtz’s new album, Hyacinth, feels like an intimate journey through emotion and reflection. It’s got eight tracks, each one packed with acoustic warmth, heartfelt lyrics, and rich harmonies. At just over 30 minutes long, it’s a quick listen, but every song feels like it matters, like it’s part of a bigger story. The music pulls you in, making it easy to get lost in its gentle, nostalgic vibes.
A Consistent Sound That Feels Like Home
What really stands out about Hyacinth is how connected everything feels. Each song flows naturally into the next, but they also hold their own if you listen to them one by one. The acoustic guitars, the soft percussion, and those gorgeous harmonies all come together to create this warm, almost cozy atmosphere. It’s like the music wraps itself around you, inviting you to slow down and really feel the emotion behind it.
The production has this modern feel, but it never feels too polished or overdone. Everything’s clean, but there’s a rawness to it that makes it feel real. Songs like “Photographs” and “Bird Song” really show off this balance. The production lets the emotion shine without getting in the way, and that’s what makes the whole album feel so honest and grounded.
Themes of Looking Back and Moving Forward
A lot of the songs on Hyacinth dive into themes of memory, regret, and time passing. You get the sense that these are songs written by people who’ve lived through some stuff and are now looking back, trying to make sense of it all. “Back and the Call,” the first track, sets this tone perfectly, with lyrics that talk about the tension between memory and impulse. It’s a song about wrestling with the past and trying to figure out how much of it still lingers in the present.
“Wasted Time,” which the band has said is a personal favorite, really hits hard with its reflections on lost opportunities. The line “So go, back when we were told / We wasted time / When now we just hope to find it” sticks with you. It’s about the bittersweet feeling of looking back on your life and wondering if you made the right choices. But at the same time, there’s a sense of hope, like it’s not too late to figure it all out. Musically, the track has this easy, laid-back groove that makes it one of the more vibey songs on the album, perfect for zoning out and letting your mind wander.
“Mom Song” is another track that stands out for its emotional weight. It’s a raw, honest song about family, guilt, and distance. The line “I never call” is repeated throughout, and it really hits home for anyone who’s ever felt guilty about not staying in touch with the people who matter most. It’s a song that’s simple in its delivery but so relatable, and by the end, when the singer promises to call soon, you feel both the weight of that promise and the hope behind it.
Songs That Leave a Lasting Impression
While every track on Hyacinth brings something to the table, a few definitely stand out. “Wasted Time,” as mentioned, feels timeless. It’s one of those songs that hits you with a mix of nostalgia and regret, but also with a sense of peace. The rhythm is relaxed, almost hypnotic, and it’s the kind of song you’ll want to keep coming back to.
Then there’s “Recess,” which has a more upbeat feel despite its reflective lyrics. The line “I don’t know the rules of recess” captures that uncertainty we all feel in relationships that have drifted apart. The song has a sense of longing, but there’s also this lightness to the melody that keeps it from feeling too heavy. It’s the kind of song that sticks in your head, and not in an annoying way—it just leaves you thinking about it.
“Bird Song,” which wraps up the album, is a soft, hopeful end to the whole experience. The lyrics talk about finding peace after a storm, which feels like the perfect way to close out an album full of reflection and heartache. The gentle harmonies and acoustic melodies make it feel like you’ve come full circle, and the last notes linger with you long after the song ends.
Final Thoughts
Hyacinth is one of those albums that feels personal and universal at the same time. The songs are about love, loss, regret, and hope—all things that everyone has felt at some point in their lives. It’s an album that invites you to slow down and really listen, to sit with your thoughts and maybe even find a little comfort in them. The acoustic sound, the honest lyrics, and the heartfelt delivery make this album feel like a warm, quiet conversation with an old friend.
If you’re into folk or acoustic music, you’re going to love this. It’s not just music to fill the background—it’s music that makes you feel. And with tracks like “Wasted Time” and “Bird Song” leading the way, it’s clear that Sturtz is a band that’s in it for the long haul, offering something real and meaningful in every song.
For more on the band, check them out on Instagram, Facebook, or visit their website.
