5 Reasons You Should Listen To Mikel Rafael ‘The Eternal Hour’
- Louise Clark
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read

In a world saturated with noise, The Eternal Hour by Mikel Rafael offers something rare: stillness. The Nashville-based folk and Americana artist emerges with a debut EP that feels both ancient and immediate—a haunting three-song cycle shaped by literature, myth, and the quiet ache of human longing. With echoes of Jeff Buckley, Leonard Cohen, and Celtic tradition woven through sparse acoustic arrangements, Rafael crafts a sound that lingers in the soul long after the final note fades. Whether you’re a longtime folk enthusiast or a seeker of emotionally resonant music, The Eternal Hour is a listening experience worth sitting with—and feeling deeply.
A Conceptual Journey Through a Single Day
The EP is more than a collection of songs—it's a poetic arc, tracing the emotional contours of morning, noon, and night. Each track offers a different mood and moment in time, making the listening experience immersive and intentional.
For Fans of Buckley, Cohen, and Celtic Ghosts
If you’re drawn to artists who blend lyrical depth with sparse, evocative arrangements, Mikel Rafael’s sound will feel like home. Think Nick Drake with a mythic twist, or Lisa Hannigan drifting through a fog-drenched forest.
Lyrics That Read Like Literature
Inspired by William Blake, The Iliad, and Celtic folklore, Rafael's songwriting doesn’t just tell stories—it invites interpretation. His lyrics are rich with imagery and meaning, rewarding repeat listens.
Visual Storytelling to Match the Music
Each track is paired with a cinematic music video filmed in the Pacific Northwest, adding visual depth to the EP’s themes of solitude, searching, and the metaphysical. It’s not just music—it’s an artistic experience.
A Quiet Exploration of Mental Health and Longing
The Eternal Hour doesn’t shy away from emotional vulnerability. It grapples with loneliness, imagination, and the elusive search for peace—offering solace for those who find comfort in music that truly sees them.
This release landed in our inbox thanks to Decent Music PR, who brought Giampaolo Pasquile's latest project to our attention. It’s always a pleasure to discover fresh talent through their recommendations.