Rafael de Swarte is from London. He lived in Finland 1970-72, returned in 2012, now resident in Rauhalinna Kaarina.

Age fifteen formed band, Tyres, a mixed-band, they played in England, mid to late 1960s. In 1968 historic highlights: 1. They were on the same bill as the first Led Zeppelin performance at Roundhouse Chalk Farm - where John Lee Hooker also headlined. 2. Played at Middle Earth when Tyranossaurus Rex (T Rex) performed - Bolan and Took played Deborah.

It was around 1966, Rafael started writing songs for his band, they recorded a few times demos and suchlike, had a session at Abbey Road but tapes were lost. The band split in 1969 coinciding with the "end of an era". Rafael continued writing until 1978 then during a very long term marriage did not play or write for next 35 years.

Across the border is Sslo album by Rafael de Swarte - songs with meaning, good grooves and atmospheric vibes.

The title track is based on Ukraine and the plight of refugees: Borders seem to be of great concern these days too. Other songs on the album look at the world and what goes on in many different ways and there are quite a few personal experiences and views expressed as well!

Track 6 'Popcorn' is a 1950s, early '60s, pastiche; the subtitle comes from those years when the writer was a kid going to the movies in England: There would be an interval before the main feature film with the announcement: 'There Will Now Be A Short Intermission'.

Song 7 'Homage To The Fallen' (in Finnish Kunnianosoitus kaatuneeille) is an electronic dance track with dynamic retro synth and Spoken Word - a track saluting and giving respect but which is armed with sadness too!