Dear listeners and readers of Soundville,

Today, we’ll be listening to the album ‘Like Ivy, We Will Grow’ by Josefine Neumann: 15 tracks filled with inspiration, dedication, and boundless energy. Josefine Neumann is self-taught. She played every instrument on the album, sang all the songs she wrote herself, and didn’t use AI – just her unwavering drive and desire to create the best sound for her listeners. It takes incredible effort and immense talent to single-handedly create such a large and stunning release. But let’s take it step by step. You know, I admire artists like Josefine Neumann. Her music is an endless generator of love and inspiration, driven by complete dedication and the ability to create music that her heart, not a label, dictates. It’s so important to be fulfilled in the music that resonates in every beat. And you’ll feel it from the very first track, ‘Good Night.’ Turn up the volume, because the tenderness of the soft folk sound, swaying guitars, and airy haze will fill your heart.

‘Good Night’ is filled with the cool mist that settles over the earth after the last ray of sunlight fades, where Josefine’s voice remains the only source of warmth. Her voice is gentle and light, supported by warm harmonies that offer hope for the dawn. The flow of deep strings and guitars creates a unique and unusual sound. I love the mix of styles Josefine Neumann uses in her music. It sounds new and very fresh. In ‘Reverie,’ melancholy fills the space through a slow arrangement, and the track’s minimalism lets you close your eyes and be alone with Josefine Neumann’s performance. Her voice is hypnotic, tinged with shades of pop pain and the silkiness of rural folk. This creates a subtle imbalance in the sound, reaching out to heal those distant, shaken parts of the soul you try to keep hidden even from yourself. Yet with Josefine Neumann’s songs, you don’t have to be afraid to be yourself.

‘Nothing’ is becoming my first favorite on the album. Josefine’s voice rises several octaves higher, and the melody picks up speed. The gentle guitar picking feels like a light breeze bringing coolness and hope, while the vocals are like drops of water, cooling and soothing. I love the song’s lullaby-like sound, tender and slow. Listening to ‘Nothing,’ you might find yourself feeling a quiet sense of peace, as if calm has taken over your heart. It’s the perfect song for a quiet evening, with a cup of hot cocoa, a warm blanket, and a purring cat on your lap. It’s incredibly aesthetic.

Then, the song ‘The Saddest Man on Earth’ brings a faster tone and a vibrant rhythm. There’s a strength and energy in this sound, filling the space with needed dynamism and a wave of bright sound. You’ll feel it through Josefine Neumann’s masterful performance and catchy lyrics. The stylish hooks in the melody immediately grab your ear, and ‘The Saddest Man on Earth’ lingers in your mind long after. As if waking from a light doze, this track grants a sense of freedom and a few minutes of invigorating enjoyment, carrying a strong beat that adds density to the rhythm.

A light experiment with harmonies and instruments in ‘Petrichor’ introduces a new sound to the album. The swaying piano, with vivid chords and Josefine’s shimmering vocals, creates a soulful and tender piano ballad. Here, her voice takes on a lower, heartfelt tone, giving a feeling of a friendly conversation – comforting and supportive. The full-bodied vocals, supported by harmonies, make the track stand out and reveal Josefine Neumann’s talent for crafting both unique and captivating sounds.

In ‘Despair,’ the soft, melancholic sound returns. Josefine Neumann’s voice seems to sink into those dreamy notes that catch in the throat. The slow progression of the melody and the gripping touches in her vocals give me chills, and I can definitely say this is one of my favorite songs. Cinematic, deep, and dreamy, it’s unbelievably captivating. I love it! But with ‘Victory,’ a sense of hope arrives, replacing the gentle waves of melancholy. The soft guitar picking, reflective vocals, and flawless lyrics bring genuine listening pleasure. Here, Josefine Neumann’s storytelling ability shines, with stories that linger in the heart. Her gentle performance lets you disconnect from the world and enjoy the cozy space of the album ‘Like Ivy, We Will Grow.’ You feel it too, right?

The album closes with the songs ‘My Only Crime’ and ‘Chance.’ Continuing the slow, lulling sound, ‘My Only Crime’ carries a sense of impending farewell – in the guitar sound, in the words, even in the ends of phrases. This feeling seeps through the cozy, slow beats, filled with a caramel warmth of the strings. Meanwhile, in ‘Chance,’ the guitar yields to the piano, with its low octaves and a more demanding, powerful delivery. It’s as if Josefine hints that the journey isn’t over and the farewell is only temporary. The poignant lyrics leave a slight sadness in the heart but also fill it with a sense of hope and freedom. It’s a wonderful feeling, one that makes you want to smile and savor the moment. I adore ‘Like Ivy, We Will Grow,’ with its magical soft acoustic folk sound and Josefine Neumann’s gentle pop vocals. This is truly something you want to listen to on cozy autumn evenings, savoring every moment.

Hey, Josefine Neumann! Thank you for releasing such wonderful music. It’s incredible that you managed to create all of this on your own. That’s truly monumental work, and you know, it turned out absolutely stunning. The sound quality is excellent, each instrument is perfectly placed, and your album is a joy to listen to and savor each track. I love your high notes! They’re so soft, sensual, and light. Keep making more of this fantastic music that inspires daydreaming and enjoying every day. I’m sure that during live performances, your energy is even more tangible, giving chills to everyone. It’s so cool! I’ll share your wonderfully beautiful songs with all my friends, let them listen to this gentle, dreamy music, right? Love it!

IG @phantom_jelly_fish

FB @Josefine-Neumann

With much love,
Soundville!