Finnish-born and Ireland-based artist Jenny Räisänen returns with her second album, The Sun Between The Shadows, released on February 28, 2025. Known for her evocative storytelling, emotionally rich compositions, and a sound that blends indie pop with cinematic soundscapes, Jenny‘s latest work is a stunning exploration of the contrasts in life—struggles and resilience, despair and hope, darkness and light.
After two decades of performing and writing music in Finland, Jenny relocated to Ireland, where she began writing songs in English and launched her solo career. Her debut indie folk-pop album, Tell Me The Story Again, was released in November 2023, establishing her as a bold and deeply introspective artist. With The Sun Between The Shadows, she expands her sonic world, incorporating electronic textures, orchestral elements, and ethereal vocal layers while staying true to her signature emotional depth.
Jenny plays keyboards and creates the atmospheric electronic elements of the album, while her longtime collaborator Juhani Konttinen provides the intricate guitar work. The album also features Irish violinist Eilidh Pope, adding a haunting depth to two of the tracks. The production seamlessly fuses organic and digital elements, resulting in a sound that feels both intimate and vast.
The Sun Between The Shadows is a concept album that captures the struggles of the human experience but also seeks to remind us of the light that persists even in the darkest times. Jenny’s lyricism tackles themes of isolation, self-reflection, personal battles, and the broader injustices of the world. She presents a musical narrative that moves from destruction and regret to empowerment and gratitude.
The album opens with Underneath, an eerie and apocalyptic track that paints a dystopian vision where survival is fragile and no one is truly safe. The haunting electronic production builds a world on the brink, setting a somber yet gripping tone for what’s to come.
What I’ve Done follows, a slow-burning, introspective song that delves into the guilt and realization of past mistakes. Its melancholic yet cinematic sound makes it one of the most emotionally charged moments on the album. Jenny captures the weight of regret but also the possibility of redemption.
She shifts gears with I Don’t Have A Clue, a driving indie-rock anthem about longing and uncertainty, infused with a pulsating rhythm and dynamic instrumentation. The track brings energy and defiance to the album, adding a bold contrast to the previous melancholic soundscapes.
The themes of isolation and disconnection resurface in In A Vacuum, a slow and emotional ballad that reflects on the struggle of feeling different and yearning for connection. Its cinematic sound and haunting melodies make it one of the standout tracks on the album.
The Rain is Not Far offers a sense of solace, capturing the bittersweet moments of longing and hope. The song’s powerful, swelling arrangement evokes feelings of nostalgia and the search for meaning in fleeting moments.
The darkest moment of the album comes with Sorry, a deeply unsettling song that addresses domestic violence. The stripped-down, minimalist arrangement allows Jenny’s haunting vocals to take center stage, making it a chilling and unforgettable listen.
In contrast, Breathe serves as a moment of calm and reassurance. With a tender melody and soothing instrumentation, the track reminds listeners to pause, focus on the present, and simply breathe through difficult times.
One of the most empowering tracks on the album, The Past Don’t Exist Anymore, is an anthem of resilience and female empowerment. It celebrates strength, individuality, and the courage to move forward. Its powerful energy echoes artists like Florence and the Machine and Alanis Morissette.
Jenny then shifts the mood with The Spark, a heartwarming song that glorifies the importance of friendship and the people who lift us up when times get tough. This soulful, uplifting track is the most joyful moment on the album.
Closing the album is I Wonder, a reflective and thought-provoking piece that encourages listeners to appreciate the small but beautiful aspects of life. It ties the album’s central theme together, leaving the listener with a sense of hope and gratitude.
Jenny Räisänen’s The Sun Between The Shadows is a breathtakingly raw and deeply resonant album that blends indie pop with cinematic soundscapes. Its themes of resilience, redemption, and self-discovery make it an essential listen for those who appreciate music that doesn’t just entertain but also speaks to the soul. Jenny’s ability to weave personal and universal themes into her music proves that she is not just a songwriter—she is a storyteller, an artist who uses her voice to highlight the beauty found even in life’s darkest moments.
