Mikel Rafael Enters Scene with Debut EP

Mikel Rafael's arrival on the folk and Americana scene is, with risk of sounding cliche, a breath of fresh, soul-stirring air. His debut EP, "The Eternal Hour," is a journey through literature, mythology, and the universal ache of human longing.

Rafael's unique upbringing, split between the bustling energy of Houston and the alluring enigma of Hong Kong, has clearly shaped a musical perspective that transcends geographical boundaries.

Now nestled on the California coast, he's channeling a quiet intensity into his songwriting, weaving poetic lyrics with melodies dipped in melancholic grace. Think Jeff Buckley, Leonard Cohen, and Nick Drake, but with a distinctly Rafaelian twist. "The Eternal Hour," inspired by William Blake's evocative verse, captures a surreal day in the life of a wanderer on a mythical quest.

The three-song structure, divided into morning, noon, and night, delves into the complexities of loneliness, the power of imagination, and the often-silent struggles of mental health. Each song is accompanied by a narrative music video, filmed in the misty, evocative wilderness of the Pacific Northwest. Rafael himself embodies the lone seeker, drawing us deeper into the metaphysical journey at the heart of the record.

If you seek solace, prepare yourself for Mikel Rafael's layered soundscapes.