THE SETTING SON
The Setting Son is a Danish rock band that emerged in Copenhagen in 2006, known for its distinctive blend of garage rock, psychedelic pop, and fuzzed-out melodies. At the heart of it all is Sebastian T.W. Kristiansen, the creative driving force and primary songwriter, whose unique talent and unconventional start laid the foundation for the band’s success in the Danish music scene.
Early Years
Kristiansen, a quiet and introspective artist from Østerbro in Copenhagen, began making music on his own. Before assembling the band, he wrote and recorded over 50 songs on a simple 4-track tape recorder in his apartment. These raw demos caught the attention of Lorenzo Woodrose, a prominent figure in Denmark’s psychedelic rock scene from bands like Baby Woodrose and Spids Nøgenhat, who passed them on to Bad Afro Records. The label recognized Kristiansen’s potential and encouraged him to turn his solo project into a full-fledged band. In 2007, The Setting Son released their self-titled debut album with the help of seasoned musicians. At the time, Kristiansen had almost no experience performing live or working in a band, but his innate sense of melody and songwriting ability quickly set The Setting Son apart from other neo-psychedelic acts.
Debut Album: The Setting Son (2007)
The debut album showcased the band’s signature sound: bubblegum-psych with strong hooks, inspired by 1960s garage rock and psychedelic music. The tracks ranged from angry and desperate to melancholic and tender, revealing Kristiansen’s emotional depth and versatility. Both critics and fans praised the album for its catchy melodies and retro-modern vibe, establishing The Setting Son as a notable name in Denmark’s underground rock scene.
Spring of Hate (2009)
Two years later, in 2009, the band released their second album, Spring of Hate. The record marked a clear evolution, reflecting Kristiansen’s growth as a songwriter and a more cohesive lineup. Unlike the debut, which relied heavily on hired musicians, Spring of Hate felt like a true band effort. The album retained the group’s psychedelic and garage rock roots but introduced new influences like surf music and a more polished neo-psych sound. Tracks like “Soulmate,” with its infectious chorus, and “Girl of Sorrow,” which highlighted the band’s melancholic side, demonstrated a maturing sound. “I Lost Control” added an anxious edge, expanding their repertoire. Critics lauded Spring of Hate for its variety and authenticity, solidifying The Setting Son as a band with a distinct voice in the Scandinavian rock landscape.
Acclaim for Before I Eat My Eyes and Ears (2012)
In 2012, The Setting Son released their third album, Before I Eat My Eyes and Ears. Standout tracks like “Above the Rest” and “Eat My Fear” set the tone for the record. “Eat My Fear” gained significant attention when Little Steven (Steven Van Zandt) named it the “Coolest Song in the World” on his influential radio show Underground Garage, a testament to the band’s growing reach. Before I Eat My Eyes and Ears blended their classic psychedelic fuzz with sharper, more introspective songwriting.
Hiatus and Return in 2024
After Before I Eat My Eyes and Ears, The Setting Son went quiet for over a decade. But in 2024, the band returned, reigniting interest with three demo compilations. These collections featured early demos from their first three albums—The Setting Son, Spring of Hate, and Before I Eat My Eyes and Ears—offering insight into Kristiansen’s creative process and the band’s development. The raw, unpolished energy of the demos thrilled longtime fans and introduced the sound to new listeners.
New Singles and album Cul-De-Sac (2025)
In 2025, The Setting Son released their fourth album, Cul-De-Sac, on vinyl and digitally on June 6, 2025. The album was preceded by singles: “Cul-De-Sac” (February 28), “I Still Can’t Decide What I Want” (April 18), “Going South” featuring Emma Acs (May 16), and “Sleep (Dedicated to Heinzz)” (May 30), a tribute to their late friend and organist, Henrik “Heinzz” Malm. Mixed by Christian Ki, Cul-De-Sac blends the band’s classic psychedelic fuzz and catchy hooks with a modern edge, exploring themes of loss and renewal.
Though The Setting Son never achieved mainstream international success, their music resonates with fans of garage revival and psychedelic pop. With Cul-De-Sac, they remain a beloved name in Denmark’s underground rock scene.
Sebastian T.W. Kristiansen: Lead vocals, rhythm guitar & organ
Adam Olsson: Lead guitar & backing vocals
Tobias Winberg: Bass guitar
Adam Winberg: Drums & percussion
Early Years
Kristiansen, a quiet and introspective artist from Østerbro in Copenhagen, began making music on his own. Before assembling the band, he wrote and recorded over 50 songs on a simple 4-track tape recorder in his apartment. These raw demos caught the attention of Lorenzo Woodrose, a prominent figure in Denmark’s psychedelic rock scene from bands like Baby Woodrose and Spids Nøgenhat, who passed them on to Bad Afro Records. The label recognized Kristiansen’s potential and encouraged him to turn his solo project into a full-fledged band. In 2007, The Setting Son released their self-titled debut album with the help of seasoned musicians. At the time, Kristiansen had almost no experience performing live or working in a band, but his innate sense of melody and songwriting ability quickly set The Setting Son apart from other neo-psychedelic acts.
Debut Album: The Setting Son (2007)
The debut album showcased the band’s signature sound: bubblegum-psych with strong hooks, inspired by 1960s garage rock and psychedelic music. The tracks ranged from angry and desperate to melancholic and tender, revealing Kristiansen’s emotional depth and versatility. Both critics and fans praised the album for its catchy melodies and retro-modern vibe, establishing The Setting Son as a notable name in Denmark’s underground rock scene.
Spring of Hate (2009)
Two years later, in 2009, the band released their second album, Spring of Hate. The record marked a clear evolution, reflecting Kristiansen’s growth as a songwriter and a more cohesive lineup. Unlike the debut, which relied heavily on hired musicians, Spring of Hate felt like a true band effort. The album retained the group’s psychedelic and garage rock roots but introduced new influences like surf music and a more polished neo-psych sound. Tracks like “Soulmate,” with its infectious chorus, and “Girl of Sorrow,” which highlighted the band’s melancholic side, demonstrated a maturing sound. “I Lost Control” added an anxious edge, expanding their repertoire. Critics lauded Spring of Hate for its variety and authenticity, solidifying The Setting Son as a band with a distinct voice in the Scandinavian rock landscape.
Acclaim for Before I Eat My Eyes and Ears (2012)
In 2012, The Setting Son released their third album, Before I Eat My Eyes and Ears. Standout tracks like “Above the Rest” and “Eat My Fear” set the tone for the record. “Eat My Fear” gained significant attention when Little Steven (Steven Van Zandt) named it the “Coolest Song in the World” on his influential radio show Underground Garage, a testament to the band’s growing reach. Before I Eat My Eyes and Ears blended their classic psychedelic fuzz with sharper, more introspective songwriting.
Hiatus and Return in 2024
After Before I Eat My Eyes and Ears, The Setting Son went quiet for over a decade. But in 2024, the band returned, reigniting interest with three demo compilations. These collections featured early demos from their first three albums—The Setting Son, Spring of Hate, and Before I Eat My Eyes and Ears—offering insight into Kristiansen’s creative process and the band’s development. The raw, unpolished energy of the demos thrilled longtime fans and introduced the sound to new listeners.
New Singles and album Cul-De-Sac (2025)
In 2025, The Setting Son released their fourth album, Cul-De-Sac, on vinyl and digitally on June 6, 2025. The album was preceded by singles: “Cul-De-Sac” (February 28), “I Still Can’t Decide What I Want” (April 18), “Going South” featuring Emma Acs (May 16), and “Sleep (Dedicated to Heinzz)” (May 30), a tribute to their late friend and organist, Henrik “Heinzz” Malm. Mixed by Christian Ki, Cul-De-Sac blends the band’s classic psychedelic fuzz and catchy hooks with a modern edge, exploring themes of loss and renewal.
Though The Setting Son never achieved mainstream international success, their music resonates with fans of garage revival and psychedelic pop. With Cul-De-Sac, they remain a beloved name in Denmark’s underground rock scene.
Sebastian T.W. Kristiansen: Lead vocals, rhythm guitar & organ
Adam Olsson: Lead guitar & backing vocals
Tobias Winberg: Bass guitar
Adam Winberg: Drums & percussion