Junip

Released in 2013, Junip is the second and final studio album from the Swedish trio consisting of José González, Elias Araya, and Tobias Winterkorn. While González is primarily known for his solo acoustic work, Junip allowed him to explore a more collaborative, rhythmic, and electronic-tinged sound. This self-titled effort is widely considered a more 'grown-up' and expansive follow-up to their 2010 debut, Fields. The recording process emphasized the interplay between the three musicians, resulting in a sound that critics noted was 'bigger' and more arrangement-focused. The album is characterized by its use of Moog synthesizers and Rhodes pianos, which provide a psychedelic, krautrock-influenced backdrop to the folk songwriting. It received positive reviews for its ability to maintain intimacy while reaching for more 'soaring' heights, solidifying Junip's place as a unique fixture in the indie-folk landscape of the early 2010s.