As you’re browsing the internet, looking at pictures of cats or Justin Bieber’s nudes, I’m sure you’re thinking, “Man, I wish I had a great band to listen to,” and, “Man, I wish someone would write an article about a band that I should listen to.”

Well, look no further my friend, I’ve got a great band that’s undoubtedly one of my favorites. The band’s called Bahamas, made up of Mr. Afie Jurvanen, and ever since the release of his album “Bahamas is Afie” earlier this year, I’ve been obsessed.

Consider yourselves lucky. I’m usually stingy about artists. It’s a constant battle between wanting them to be successful, and wanting them to be my little secret that I can whip out during trendy parties to impress people.

Bahamas is the music you listen to when you want to think. Whether it’s about some stupid boy/girl that broke your heart, or what you’re making for dinner tonight…this music is relaxing, it’s calming. With the smooth voice of Jurvanen, mixed with quiet melodies and refreshingly simple progressions, you’ll be transported to somewhere peaceful and wonderful. Suddenly your worries will feel a million miles away, somewhere in a world where Bahamas doesn't exist.

Jurvanen describes his music as folk, but I think it’s more than that. I think more of a combination of singer-songwriter, alternative, and bluegrass. Think Iron and Wine meets My Morning Jacket, with a little bit of angst-y Ryan Adams thrown into the mix. What more could you want, people?

A quick warning—the lyrics might drive you to tears. For example, the song
“All I’ve Ever Known” makes me cry every time. Suddenly it comes on shuffle and I’m struggling to keep it together at a desk in the library. So if you’ve seen a girl that is tall and tan and quietly weeping at the library? It’s me and don’t worry, I’ll get it together by the next song.

If you listen to my advice (which you should), you should start with his first album then work your way to the most recent. As you listen to each album, you’ll be in awe how each album gets better and better. Take my word for it.

This isn’t going to be the music you play at the pregame. Chances are, if your homie passes you the aux chord, you won’t play this. But that’s the whole point. This is music for you to enjoy on your own, which is a nice change.

I once saw an icon on iconator.com that said, “music on world off,” and I agree. If AIM was still a widely used way to flirt with crushes, I would make that my icon. (gurl4fieldhockey@aol.com if anyone still wants to hit me up.)

So take a breath, and listen to Bahamas, because you deserve to treat your ears to this. Slow life down a little bit. Sometimes it’s okay to be in the slow lane.