From the quiet beauty of Brottby, Sweden, emerges Ginko Bugs, an international band led by Lieutenant Bo Biloba; a storyteller as much as a musician. The band, united by Biloba’s original solo project in 2018, draws inspiration from icons like The Beatles, David Bowie, and Pink Floyd, blending rock’s classic roots with deeply introspective lyricism. With members from across Europe, this dynamic group is more than a band; they’re a symphony of influences and talents, capturing a reminiscent and refreshing sound. And in their single, “Close In October,” released on October 13, they deliver a song that stays, drawing listeners into a world where love, fear, and time tangle.
“Close In October” opens with an infectious acoustic riff—simple, raw, and captivating. This introductory melody draws us in, weaving a mesmerizing, intimate, and expansive atmosphere. The acoustic guitar, strummed with gentle, rhythmic precision, sets a pensive yet hopeful tone, giving space for Lieutenant Bo Biloba’s vocals to enter organically, as if each word is suspended delicately within the music. Biloba’s voice is richly emotive, carrying the weight of the song’s themes with an understated intensity. His delivery is heartfelt, unhurried, and genuine, bringing the lyrics to life with an almost conversational warmth.
Opening with the lines, “When she leaves it’s probably over, And everything that weighs down my shoulder,” he sets a tone of quiet resignation and yearning. These words carry a subtle, bittersweet weight, allowing us to feel the tension between letting go and holding on. The opening lines are reflective yet powerfully present, framing a timeless story as if it belongs in both the past and the future.
The lyrics of “Close In October” are poetic yet direct, capturing the delicate balance of emotions felt when one is on the precipice of change. “We can stay as one, two, or free as we were, For somebody else that’s out there, In the end of October,” Biloba sings, expressing the painful but honest admission of uncertain love. His words are an invitation to linger, to delay departure a little longer, perhaps till the “end of October.” There’s a universal quality here—the song seems to speak to anyone who has wished for time to slow down if only to savor what might soon be lost.
Instrumentation in “Close In October” complements the song’s emotive lyrics with simplicity and elegance. The acoustic guitar remains central, maintaining a steady, almost meditative strumming pattern, while the subtle addition of drums, bass, and soft keyboard melodies enriches the soundscape. Private Tom’s lead guitar adds tasteful, unobtrusive flourishes that heighten the song’s depth without overshadowing the lyrics. Each instrument is woven into the arrangement with purpose, balancing restraint and richness, making the song feel grounded yet expansive—a quality that sets Ginko Bugs apart.
Produced in Sopron, Hungary, the track captures the raw authenticity of acoustic rock while maintaining a polished finish that enhances its emotional depth. The production is clean and spacious, allowing the interplay between instruments to shine while putting Biloba’s vocals firmly at the heart of the track. This attention to detail reflects the band’s commitment to creating music that feels both intentional and organic.
Although it’s about love, “Close In October” is more than that—it’s a meditation on the fragility of human connections and the bittersweet nature of time. As Biloba pleads, “How to get close in October,” there’s a sense of urgency tempered by acceptance, acknowledging that while we may desire control over time and relationships, we are often at their mercy. Ginko Bugs has crafted a song that resonates with the quiet power of reflection and the desire for closeness. This single is a testament to their ability to make music enjoyable and also significant music, pulling listeners into a nostalgic and new world.
For those who find comfort in reflective storytelling and the enduring appeal of acoustic rock, Ginko Bugs’s “Close In October” is a must-listen. It’s a beautiful reminder of the power music holds to connect us with profound emotions that often go unspoken. As Ginko Bugs continue to share their voice with the world, one thing is clear: they’re not just making waves but creating a legacy!
Listen to “Close In October” on Spotify
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