There are albums you listen to, and then there are albums you step inside. With Like in the Movies, Swedish bassist, cellist and composer Svante Söderqvist and his evolving ensemble THE ROCKET deliver the latter — a sweeping, cinematic journey that feels less like a traditional jazz record and more like the soundtrack to an unwritten film.
THE ROCKET has steadily grown into one of the most intriguing projects on the Nordic jazz scene. What began as Söderqvist’s acclaimed trio alongside pianist Adam Forkelid and drummer Calle Rasmusson has expanded into a richly textured quartet through the addition of Estonian-Swedish accordionist and sonic explorer Tuulikki Bartosik. The result is a band that moves effortlessly between chamber jazz, folk-inspired melodies and atmospheric soundscapes.
The title Like in the Movies proves remarkably fitting. Across the album’s eight tracks, the quartet creates vivid musical scenes that unfold with the pacing and emotional depth of a carefully crafted film. Delicate piano passages give way to soaring accordion melodies, while Söderqvist’s distinctive blend of double bass, cello and occasional wordless vocals provides a warm, human centre. The music never rushes; instead, it invites listeners to linger in its landscapes.
Critics have already picked up on the album’s cinematic quality. Swedish music publication Lira described the record as a “musical film you want to see again and again,” praising its dreamlike chamber-jazz atmosphere and evocative storytelling. The comparison feels entirely justified. Whether drifting through the reflective moods of “Another Autumn (In the Light of Madness)” or the expansive emotional arcs of tracks such as “One Week” and “Europa 2022,” the music constantly suggests images, memories and stories beyond the notes themselves.
What makes THE ROCKET especially compelling is the group's ability to balance sophistication with accessibility. There is plenty here for jazz aficionados to admire — intricate interplay, nuanced improvisation and exceptional musicianship — yet the melodies remain inviting and emotionally direct. Folk influences weave naturally through the compositions, while Bartosik’s accordion and subtle electronic textures add an extra dimension that broadens the ensemble’s sonic palette.
For Söderqvist, who has spent more than two decades building a reputation as one of Sweden’s most respected jazz bassists, Like in the Movies feels like a creative milestone. The album expands upon the musical language explored on the 2023 release The Rocket, pushing further into cinematic territory while maintaining the lyrical beauty and melodic strength that have become his trademarks.
In an era dominated by short attention spans and algorithm-driven playlists, Like in the Movies stands out as a work designed to be experienced from beginning to end. It's immersive, emotionally resonant and beautifully crafted — a reminder that instrumental music can still tell powerful stories without uttering a single word.
If the best films leave you thinking long after the credits roll, then Like in the Movies achieves the same effect. THE ROCKET has created a record that doesn't just accompany your imagination — it ignites it.