Various Artists: I Will Swim To You – A Tribute To Jason Molina [Album Review]

Various Artists
I Will Swim To You: A Tribute To Jason Molina
Run For Cover Records [2025]

“Today’s indie voices turn Molina’s timeless songs into a tribute that feels vital and proves his music still burns bright.”

Album Overview: I Will Swim to You: A Tribute to Jason Molina started as a lunch-table idea between Run For Cover founder Jeff Casazza and Secretly Canadian’s Chris and Ben Swanson. Their shared love for Molina’s music turned that chat into a plan: gather a new generation of indie artists to reinterpret his songs. The lineup is stacked with names that prove his influence runs deep—MJ Lenderman, Hand Habits, Advance Base, Sadurn, Horse Jumper of Love, Trace Mountains, and Another Michael all lend their voices.

Jason Molina—born in Lorain, Ohio—built a restless career through Songs: Ohia, Magnolia Electric Co., and his own solo work. He blended folk, indie rock, and country with a determination to keep moving forward, right up until his passing at 39. This set of twelve covers doesn’t just mimic the originals; it lets each artist put their own stamp on his catalog. The album even sports cover art by longtime Molina collaborator William Schaff, and a portion of the profits goes to MusiCares®, honoring the organization that supported Molina during his struggles.

Musical Style: The tribute drifts between alt-country warmth, slowcore hush, and understated indie rock. Some cuts lean into gentle acoustic textures; others weave reverb, pedal steel, or even a few electronic touches. It’s a fittingly wide-angle look at Molina’s songwriting, filtered through the distinct voices of today’s indie scene.

Evolution of Sound: Molina never stood still—starting with lo-fi, bare-bones recordings before growing into the rootsy rock of Magnolia Electric Co. and later the quiet intensity of his solo records. This tribute follows that same arc, echoing the sparse moods of early Songs: Ohia while nodding to the full-band energy of his later work.

Artists with Similar Fire: If you dig Will Oldham (Bonnie “Prince” Billy), Mount Eerie, Iron & Wine, Bill Callahan, or Hiss Golden Messenger, you’ll feel right at home here. And naturally, the Run For Cover family—like MJ Lenderman and Trace Mountains—fits this vibe perfectly.

Pivotal Tracks: MJ Lenderman turns “Just Be Simple” into a ragged, full-band heartbreaker. Hand Habits wraps “Lioness” in shimmering atmosphere, while Advance Base floats “Everything Should Try Again” on dreamy keyboard layers. Sadurn delivers a hushed, aching “The Old Black Hen,” and Horse Jumper of Love drape “Blue Factory Flame” in an eerie haze. Trace Mountains takes on “The Dark Don’t Hide It,” giving it a driving, sun-faded indie-rock spin that captures both the song’s urgency and its ache. Another Michael closes it all out with an emotionally charged “The Farewell Transmission” that feels like a late-night prayer.

Lyrical Strength: Molina’s words balance poetry and plain speech, capturing landscapes both real and emotional. His lines cut straight to the heart—sometimes with just a few perfectly chosen images. These fresh interpretations prove that his songs still sting, comfort, and inspire, no matter who’s behind the mic.

Final Groove: I Will Swim to You is more than a tribute—it’s a living conversation with Molina’s legacy. Each artist honors his restless spirit while bringing their own spark, creating an album that feels vital instead of nostalgic. It’s a record that makes you want to revisit Molina’s originals and stay tuned for where these new voices will wander next.

I WILL SWIM TO YOU LINKS
Bandcamp | Run For Cover Records