Today, the brother duo Modern Tales, comprised of veteran producer Jonas Rathsman and singer Franz Novotny, deliver their debut album together, ‘Stars Align’, via RÜFÜS DU SOL’s Rose Avenue imprint.
‘Stars Align’ marks a milestone for Rathsman and Novotny both for their artistry and for their relationship as brothers. The two were established artists in their own respective fields, but their individual sounds made it difficult for them to find a middle ground. Motivated to find hope in the darkness of a global pandemic, they were able to shed their egos and write whatever music came to mind. ‘Stars Align’ was then crafted in the span of just two weeks. According to them, it’s some of the best music they’ve ever written.
“This album holds a special place in our hearts as it encompasses cherished moments that have shaped our journey as Modern Tales. It all began when we, as brothers, made the decision to create music together, and that moment sparked the birth of our musical collaboration.
These moments, all interconnected, serve as irrefutable evidence of the wonders that can unfold when cosmic forces align. Through this album, we pay homage to the profound bond of brotherhood, celebrating the synergy and creativity that arise when like-minded souls come together.” — Modern Tales
Nurtured in the enchanting surroundings and misty forests of Sweden’s West Coast, Modern Tales’ music offers a dreamy, nuanced perspective of the human experience. Exhibiting their impressive songwriting on ‘Stars Align’, on previous singles the duo writes about liberating oneself from hardship on “Monster,” and partners struggling to communicate on “Wide Awake.” Mesmerizing melodies, powerful rhythms, and striking vocal work paint vivid images of love, fear, and hope.
“Pretty Little Thing” serves as one of the most stirring cuts on the album. Franz Novotny’s vocal talent takes center stage here, with a chilling piano melody and gripping synths that call upon shades of Massive Attack and Trent Reznor. On “Brother,” Novotny channels an ethereal James Blake-esque sound, with songwriting that touches on an unbreakable bond between two brothers who were pulled apart by war. The album wraps with supporting and encouraging a lover who is in emotional toil on “Coming Back 4 U”, bringing forth the level of sonic depth that Rathsman and Novotny have reached together with this collaborative project.
Modern Tales quickly captured the attention of RÜFÜS DU SOL, who, upon hearing the album for the first time, immediately signed it to their label and invited them to go on tour with them in Europe. Following those performances, Modern Tales then played two consecutive weekends at Sundream Festival, RÜFÜS’s three-day destination event in San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico.
Stars Align Tracklist
1. Pretty Little Thing
2. Monster
3. They Can’t Take The Sky Away
4. Brother
5. Lean On Me
6. Lost In The Future
7. Together
8. Wide Awake
9. One More Song
10. Coming Back 4 U
