German-born, Sweden-based composer and producer Ulrich Jannert has spent decades writing melodies and lyrics purely for himself before ever stepping into a professional studio, and that long, unhurried foundation shows throughout his four-track EP “All In,” released June 12th. Jannert describes his sound as a blend of Soft Rock, Soul Rock, and subtle touches of R&B and Southern influence, all built during long Scandinavian winters in his own studio. The EP’s title track and lead single tackles a theme that runs through the whole project: the danger of waiting for the perfect moment, and the decision to step into life fully instead of standing on the sidelines of it.
“All In” as a whole is supremely melodic. The level of melodicism on display here is second to none. It inspired me to grab my guitar and start playing along. The arrangements are so rich with harmony, and from a songwriting perspective, the pacing and the storytelling here is simply incredible. The title track is the most moving of the four. It’s a song about hope, and not the fake hope, not the wishing things will be better, but real hope, the belief that things will be better, and taking actions towards it. Every day is a chance to do better; every day is a chance that the sun will shine down on you. You miss every shot you don’t take; you have to go more forward, not without fear but with bravery in spite of fear. Fear is what makes us heroes. You can’t be brave if you’re not afraid.
The songs “Breaking Free” and “Follow the Compass in your Soul” complement “All In” narratively by following up with more empowering lyrics, though these songs are a lot groovier than the straightforward rhythmic nature of the dramatic title track. The ambience in the keyboard parts and the guitars work wonders to create a warm embrace of a sound that amplifies the positive energy of the songs’ themes.
By the time the EP closes, the throughline is unmistakable: Jannert isn’t interested in offering comfort for its own sake; he’s making a case for action. “All In” earns its title across all four tracks, not just the one that bears it, and the result is a project that feels genuinely lived-in rather than aspirational from a distance. For an independent artist working largely on his own terms, this is a confident and cohesive statement.
