Jeremy Engel: Ocean
“Ocean” by Jeremy Engel – A Quiet Storm of the Soul
by Jack Rush
With “Ocean,” Luxembourg-based singer-songwriter Jeremy Engel delivers a stripped-back, emotionally rich exploration of what it feels like to quietly drown in your own thoughts. Built on a foundation of acoustic guitar, violin, and Irish bouzouki, the track doesn’t clamor for attention—instead, it beckons listeners into a deeply introspective, almost meditative space. There’s no climactic hook or dramatic crescendo, just Engel’s voice suspended between vulnerability and resignation, like someone whispering halfway through a sleepless night.
The song’s strength lies in its restraint. The instrumentation is delicate, almost conversational. Rather than impress with flourish, Engel invites you to listen closely—to the space between notes, to the silence that follows a lyric. The violin swells softly, the bouzouki adds subtle texture, and the guitar picks along like a drifting current. It’s a quiet storm, made for the moments when your mind won’t let you rest.
Lyrically, “Ocean” doesn’t dig deep in metaphors or confessions—it simply floats near the emotional surface, enough to sting but never quite drowning in sentiment. Engel’s delivery is measured, thoughtful, and refreshingly unforced. It feels like something he needed to write more than something he hoped to promote—and that authenticity resonates.
Fans of indie-folk artists like Noah Kahan or Lord Huron will find familiar ground here. At times, Engel’s vocal tone evokes the gentle depth of James Taylor or Leonard Cohen, while maintaining a contemporary edge that doesn’t rely on production tricks or overworked arrangements. It’s a masterclass in subtle songwriting—emotionally rich, yet tastefully understated.
Artist Spotlight: Jeremy Engel
Jeremy Engel is no newcomer to nuance. Born in Luxembourg and shaped by years spent in Ireland, his music reflects the quiet in-between spaces—between cultures, between languages, between thoughts. His cinematic folk style is gentle yet immersive, shaped by influences like Damien Rice, Rory Gallagher, and Cohen, artists who know how to hold a listener without raising their voice.
By day, Engel works as a United Nations interpreter—listening closely and giving voice to others. By night, he channels that same precision into music, crafting songs that linger long after they end. His debut album Roam Like A Wave earned recognition on the festival circuit, with a Best Song award at the Oniros Film Awards, finalist nods at the New York International Film Awards, and a feature in Rolling Stone Spain, which named “Escape Game” one of 25 essential tracks to refresh your playlist.
In 2025, Engel was selected as one of 25 global artists to participate in the Orquevaux Artist Residency in France. Now based in Dublin, he continues to refine his sound and expand his reach through live shows across Europe.
“Ocean” isn’t designed to go viral—and that’s exactly why it works. It’s a song you stumble across late at night, unsure why it resonates so deeply until it quietly stays with you. Not everyone will get it. But those who do will likely press repeat.
And keep your ears open—Jeremy Engel is only just beginning to make waves.
Have a listen to Ocean on our Rattler Choons playlist and connect with Jeremy Engel:
