Stream Sun Pie
Compared to its predecessor Cross-Word Tears, with its lengthy compositions and instrumental excursions, Sun Pie aims toward something a little more consistent and short, something on the pop side of the musical spectrum.
Sun Pie stories include disappointment leading to three-something years of drumming once a week, endless hours of working on production outside of a fulltime job with occasional social relief provided by studio neighbors and the substantial satisfaction of being able to, finally, wrap it all up.
Sun Pie – Fragments of a long story
Credits:
Kristofer Axén – Drums and percussion, bass, guitars and mandolin, piano and keys, harmonica, bass guitar, vocals
Amalia Sjönneby – Trumpet
Ivan Jezek – Tenor saxophone
Written, recorded, produced, arranged and mixed by Kristofer Axén. Drums recorded by Markus Ingberg at Club hill studios, additional drum recordings by Torbjörn Nilsson. The bulk of the “band” tracks recorded at Club hill studios between August 2023 and the summer of 2024. Vocals, additional recordings and mixing done in a room at home in Hökarängen.
Mastered by Sofia von Hage and Thomas Eberger at Stockholm Mastering
Cover art from a photo by Kristofer Axén, finalized by Richard Lindström and Kristofer Axén.
Sun Pie was released on April 11 2025 by Mara Sounds.
Said about Sun Pie
“A warm and welcoming soiree of pop in the form of tracks that feel progressive, cinematic, experimental, and at times even semi-theatrical.”
“No matter what you’re listening to on this record, there’s always this sort of graceful pop overcoat. There’s a reason to get up and dance or take in the brightly displayed aesthetic that songs give off.”
“The arrangements are incredible and give songs a progressive flow at times, but no matter what, it never loses that heart or personality throughout the whole thing, and that may be the most important aspect of it all.”
“I definitely enjoyed some of the stories told here and how there’s so much harmonious melody blended into each individual track and as a whole record, it serves as a wonderful sort of escape into someone else’s world (…) This is an album that means something. It’s got a depth to it, came from someplace real, and there’s loads of heart embedded in its veins.”
“Kristofer Axén’s Sun Pie, is a beautifully constructed album that immediately welcomes us into its world. From the very first track, we’re met with an inviting sound that blends pop sensibilities with plenty of genre influences. It’s the kind of record that feels familiar in certain ways but still has a refreshing sense to it all. As listeners, we’re treated to a musical journey that doesn’t shy away from thoughtful arrangement.”
“What makes Sun Pie so insteresting is the way it comprises pop songwriting into different textures. There is progressive rock, indie-pop, and even acoustic folk songs that all lend a hand to the shape of the full album. The progressive elements don’t overcomplicate things. They add depth and movement, letting us enjoy the layers while still holding onto a core pop charm. It’s an album that doesn’t box itself in at all.”
“In the end, Sun Pie is an album that stays with us. It feels good—sunny, sometimes nostalgic, often refreshing, leaving a good, lasting impression through both its sound and storytelling.”
“The new album brings with it some fresh sounds that range quite a bit from an indie and pop rock to a familiar but indie-pop style and the release is brimming with the artist’s persona from song to song. This release has a lot to hear and with an eclectic songwriting technique, Kristofer put a lot into his production and recording styles.”
“Both (The Maggot’s Grin and Silent Lark) have that trademark Liverpool sound about them and delving into the lyrics I found them to be surprisingly deep without being in the least bit pretentious; not an easy balancing act.”
“Really good writing and allied to crisp instrumentation (…) There are no weak links here at all.”
Kristofer Axén 