The Eternal Hour, is literary folk with heart, soul, and just a hint of pretension.
If Jeff Buckley wrote songs in a cabin while reading Greek epics and staring into a misty abyss, the result might sound something like The Eternal Hour. On his debut EP, Mikel Rafael (real name Michelangelo Macrohon) offers three stripped-back tracks of soul-searching, myth-infused acoustic folk, complete with a trilogy of moody videos shot in the Pacific Northwest. It’s poetic. It’s pretty. It’s occasionally a bit much.
Still, Rafael’s talent is clear. There’s no denying the emotional weight of “Maples and Pines,” a track that opens with hushed guitar and opens up like a memory you didn’t know you had. The writing leans heavily on metaphor and melancholia—lonely rivers, ancient songs in the woods, etc.—but there’s real feeling behind it.
Middle track “The Stream” is where things click. With minimal instrumentation and intimate vocals, it’s a gorgeous meditation on longing. Rafael doesn’t overplay it; the restraint makes it hit harder. He’s clearly someone who understands the slow burn.
By “Rise Into The Gentle Night,” though, the poetic density starts to feel slightly impenetrable. It’s beautiful, but emotionally exhausting. The EP aims for transcendence but risks alienation—more heady than heartfelt at times.
Still, for a debut, there’s a lot to admire. Rafael is aiming high, and while he occasionally floats into the clouds, his best moments land with quiet power. Folk lovers who enjoy their music heavy on mood and myth will find The Eternal Hour rewarding. Just bring your best headphones—and maybe a cup of tea.
