Transatlantic Project Turns Long-Distance Collaboration Into a Cross-Continental Musical Journey
Toronto-linked folk-rock duo FUSES is set to release its debut album, Sawdust in the Transmission, on June 26, 2026, offering listeners a collection of songs shaped by geography, personal connection, and a shared appreciation for classic folk and country music traditions.
Released through Having Fun Records, the rock imprint of Toronto-based We Are Busy Bodies, the album marks the culmination of a creative partnership between Swedish musician Moa-Linn Rosenlöf and Canadian guitarist Craig Fahner. Drawing inspiration from artists such as The Byrds, Fairport Convention, Gram Parsons and Jason Molina, the record blends jangling folk-rock melodies, country influences and atmospheric storytelling into a sound that spans continents.
A Creative Partnership Born Across the Atlantic
The origins of FUSES can be traced to a chance meeting in Gothenburg in 2024, when Fahner’s Toronto band Motorists performed in the Swedish city. Rosenlöf, known for her work with Orkan and Spela Död, connected with Fahner during the visit, and what began as a casual introduction soon developed into a daily exchange of ideas.
The pair initially planned to reunite in New York City to work on music together. However, visa complications disrupted those plans and forced them to reconsider their approach.
Rather than abandon the project, the musicians embraced remote collaboration. Over the course of a week, they exchanged Ableton sessions across the Atlantic, laying the groundwork for what would become Sawdust in the Transmission. The songs were later recorded during a focused studio session at Gothenburg’s historic Nacksving Studios, a location closely associated with Sweden’s influential 1970s political progg movement.
The recording sessions also coincided with a significant personal milestone. One day after completing the album, Rosenlöf and Fahner travelled to a courthouse in Borås, Sweden, where they were married, formally uniting both their creative and personal lives.
Blending Musical Histories and Landscapes
Throughout the album, FUSES explores the intersection of two distinct musical backgrounds. Rosenlöf, primarily known as a drummer and bassist, and Fahner, an accomplished guitarist, intentionally challenged conventional roles during the songwriting process by frequently switching instruments.
The approach encouraged experimentation and helped shape the album’s unique identity.
The result is a collection of songs that combines elements of psychedelic music, folk rock and classic country while creating vivid sonic landscapes. The duo describes many of the songs as “sound pictures,” transporting listeners through frozen Canadian prairies, dense Swedish forests and modern urban environments.
Rich vocal harmonies and steel guitar textures tie the album together, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.
Standout Tracks Showcase Storytelling and Atmosphere
Among the album’s highlights is “Garden of Ashes,” a track accompanied by a grainy Super 8-inspired music video that reflects the duo’s vintage aesthetic. Built around a classic folk-rock framework, the song follows a post-apocalyptic narrative centred on a young woman deciding whether to remain in a devastated world or retreat into the underworld.
The track has become a favourite during the duo’s live performances and has resonated with audiences through its evocative storytelling and haunting atmosphere.
Other songs reveal the breadth of the album’s themes and influences. “Convictions” explores steadfast values and personal integrity, inspired by Rosenlöf’s parents and their enduring ties to the family farm.
The energetic title track, “Drive It Into the Ground,” uses the image of a mechanic pouring sawdust into a failing transmission as a metaphor for the ways individuals conceal imperfections while pushing forward through life’s challenges.
Meanwhile, the Swedish-language track “Bakom Molnen,” which translates to “Behind the Clouds,” offers a reflective meditation on uncertainty and transformation. Additional tracks including “Vemod,” “Idle Heart,” “Aniline,” and “Floor is Lava” further demonstrate the duo’s ability to balance intimate songwriting with expansive musical arrangements.
A Debut Built on Connection
With Sawdust in the Transmission, FUSES delivers a debut album rooted in collaboration, resilience and shared experience. The project transforms the challenges of distance into a creative strength, connecting Canadian and Swedish musical traditions through a collection of deeply personal songs.
As the duo prepares for the album’s release, Sawdust in the Transmission stands as both a reflection of their journey and an introduction to a partnership that bridges borders, genres and life experiences. For listeners drawn to timeless folk-rock melodies and thoughtful storytelling, the album offers a compelling new voice emerging from a uniquely transatlantic perspective.