A grippingly melodic sound enamors across Running From Yourself, the debut album from Sir Jay. The project represents the alias of Sergei Viikilä-Vartiainen, a Finnish-Russian singer, producer, and songwriter based in Helsinki. Crafted during the pandemic, Running From Yourself emits relatable themes of loneliness, loss, and feelings of helplessness — set within productions that draw enjoyably from rock and neo-psychedelia influences. Also frequent in its beautiful string arrangements and hooky vocal drives, the album’s nine tracks comprise a riveting listening experience from Sir Jay.
“Box Animal” opens the album with an emotively immersive captivation. The vocals lament “I’m losing connection,” as burgeoning strings escalate, pairing with pulsing guitars for a dazzling quality — into a striking shift around the two-minute mark. There, a ghostlier vocal lead beckons with stylish intrigue, showing shades of later-era Radiohead in the string-laden rock edge. Elia Lombardini’s string arrangements enthrall throughout Running From Yourself, and it’s immediately apparent with “Box Animal.” The subsequent “Red n Blue” compels with a more woodwind-forward chilliness to start, rousing into an anthemic vocal brightness amidst crunchy guitars. The album envelops with a strong opening one-two punch, strutting a memorable vein of melodic, orchestral-touched rock.
A memorable vocal refrain and sturdy guitar twangs enchant on “Rubble,” stirring with a from-the-heart sincerity, while “Name on the Wall” follows with a gorgeous ballad-ready direction. Graceful piano adornments reflect a forlorn vocal feeling, as swelling violin accompaniments linger beautifully. “Is there harmony, to fill the space inside me?” the introspective vocals ask, gliding seamlessly into the “I saw your name on the wall,” expanse. Harmonica and twanging guitars intertwine with stellar entrancement into the delicately impactful final minute; the track is a thorough showcase in heartfelt emotion, and in the preceding pop/rock “Rubble” and ensuing rock griminess within “Darling” is also a definitive display of tonally eclectic talent.
Following a series of affectional successes, “On TV” succeeds with a breezier charm — showing shades of Vampire Weekend in the “party on the rooftop,” lyrical vibes amidst frolicking piano and harmonious vocal layers. Themes of existing within a broken world, and prevailing through such, adds depth within the inviting, melodic approachability. “Running from Yourself” comes next, engaging with prancing keys and a roaring guitar lingering — invoking a sort of Americana grittiness in the twangy guitars and foreboding vocals. “Shameful” is another climactic success, reaching a magnetic mid-point with its keys/guitars interplay. “Roses” concludes the album with a rousing “seasons changing,” ethos — blending illuminated rock and folk pursuits for a lovely send-off to this fantastic album from Sir Jay.
