Minishops / Jose Gonzalez

JOSÉ GONZÁLEZ
José González has over the past two decades established himself as one of Sweden’s most respected artists, both nationally and internationally, known for his understated expression, distinctive guitar work, and lyrics that move in the borderland between the personal and the existential.

On Against the Dying of the Light, he returns to acoustically driven songwriting with a clear focus on the challenges and possibilities facing humanity.

Since the previous album Local Valley (2021), the world has been marked by increasing tensions and a partially darker global climate—something that is also reflected in Against the Dying of the Light. The album is characterized by a more direct and at times frustrated expression, addressing themes such as technological anxiety, ideological dogmatism, and the need to identify and question patterns of thought that hinder human flourishing.

Reflecting on the album as a whole, González says:
“Against the Dying of the Light is an album that reflects on humanity. Who we are—sentient apes with stories, and with ever more powerful tools. Groups of people with worldviews that are sometimes incompatible with one another, and tools that can lead to dystopia or extinction. The songs are about how we can move in a better direction, both as individuals and collectively. They can be listened to simply for the music—the sounds, harmonies, and rhythms—but the lyrics are intended to engage people, encourage collaboration, and actually prompt action to help solve our shared problems.”