Music was Szymon Borzestowski’s life. He loved it, lived it, breathed it. A bright, brilliant talent, the young Newcastle artist would happily lose himself in his bedroom studio for days, playfully honing his humble yet hypnotic art-pop.

Sadly, Szymon lost his life at just 23. Lovingly curated by family and friends,Tigersapp is the record he would have released, a glimpse into the vibrant world he hoped to share.

From the swirling symphonic stomp of ‘Katyusha’ to the dreamy-eyed folk of ‘Brokenworld’, it’s easy to lose yourself in Tigersapp. Built on lush layers of guitar, bass, woodwind, drums, synth and samples, it’s a stunning, startling commentary on the human condition laced with messages of hope, light and unconditional acceptance. Its quiet confidence is matched only by its beautiful, melancholy, powered by Szymon’s enchanting voice. Songs like ‘Roma’ and ‘Golden’ flit and dance with a winsome yet wondrous spirit, while ‘Runaway’ and ‘Medusa’ explore lusher psych-pop territory.

Szymon worked tirelessly throughout 2008 to record an album worth of songs, and was on the verge of signing a record deal with EMI at just 19. Tragically, the darkness of mental illness began to fall at the same time and it was decided his treatment had to come first. Nevertheless, he continued to write, even as his battles with depression became more debilitating. In the end, the world became unbearable and Szymon took his own life in December 2012.

Mixed in part by Rusty Santos (Animal Collective, Owen Pallett) and Ian Pritchett (Angus & Julia Stone), Tigersapp is a rich and touching testament to the talents of this singer-songwriter-composer. It’s a cruel blow that Szymon’s not here to witness it, but it’s a small comfort his life’s work can now finally be shared.