Yaeger Crafts a Technicolor Rave of Love, Loss, and Self-Discovery in 'Jaguar'
Photo: Lamia Karić
Swedish emotional rave pop artist Yaeger, also known as Hanna Jäger, has finally released her latest EP, Jaguar. Co-written by Sebastian Furrer (Avicii, Loreen, Ed Sheeran) and produced alongside Federico Pinna, Jaguar is a six-track masterclass in bold dance-pop and infectious crossover club tracks, balancing delicious bittersweetness with peak-time energy. Inspired by various influences such as her upbringing in Stockholm's archipelago, her time in London, Wes Anderson's aesthetics, rave parties, and Astrid Lindgren's fantasy worlds, Yaeger has crafted a distinct musical style that sets her apart.
"Jaguar is about who you become when you're running somewhere in between love affairs," sharea the artist. "You're alone but constantly surrounded by people and friends. I think I've felt like a lonely stray cat for a while now, running around in different cities and writing music. As soon as you leave something, you're constantly searching until you find security in yourself again and, eventually, maybe in someone else. And a lot of crazy things can happen in between. But you also find a lot of beauty. And it became an EP."
The EP's title track, "Jaguar," opens the record with a moody cloud of beats and showcases the breadth of Yaeger's sonic ambition right from the jump with a sample Boards of Canada[s "Kaini Industries." The single brews into a storm of sound as her ethereal vocals soar on the climactic chorus where she sings, "It's enough to call it the biggest curse of all, yeah / Jaguar, I'm runnin', even though I'm stunnin' / It's enough to call it the baddest bitch of all here / Jaguar, I'm startin', no way out."
The record then takes an infectious turn with "Lupins In Blue." The endorphin-rush-inducing single features dizzying synths and touching lyrics about love and the fuzzy and fearful emotions it can inflict on a person. Throughout the verses of the dance banger, Yaeger admits that when her loved one is around, she feels like she can breathe and get through any hard times that come her way. But amid these feelings of hopefulness also dwells fear. Although she loves the rush of their relationship, she reveals, "But I don't know if maybe already we won't last / Or are we just afraid of being high contrast?"
Standout tracks like the vibrant "Use Your Words," the playful "Water Pistol," and the glitchy "Ciao" lead up to the record's triumphant closer "Stolen." With a building symphony of synths at her back, Yaeger teases the chorus, encouraging listeners to "Get up, get closer." The verses detail how Yaeger feels like a part of her has been stolen and that she wants to get her "cool" back. The track ebbs and flows through crescendos of digital sonics before breaking out into a powerful sound collage with twinkling layers of glitchy synths and vocal adlibs, grounded brass accents, and spacey beats.
Jaguar is an exhilarating showcasing of Yaeger's evolution as an artist and person. Drawing inspiration from various influences, she has created a unique musical style that combines emotional depth and energetic beats. With this distinct sound and her heartfelt lyrics, Yaeger continues to captivate listeners and establish herself as a rising star, one nearly too bold and bright to look directly at.
Listen to Jaguar below:
