The dense melody of a guitar, with a clever use of delay and reverb. A sound that seems to come from afar, shy and gentle, only to be reached by the grandeur of a rhythm section that raises the bar. The wonderful solo by guest Jake Howsan Lowe, the compact and tight drumming… Ladies and gentleman, I’m home again. I’m listening to a new album by Distant Dream.
For those who don’t know who I’m talking about, Distant Dream is the solo project of Marcin Majrowski, a talented Polish composer and metal guitarist. His approach works wonderfully, because he manages to perfectly balance the expressive urgency typical of post-rock with a very high melodic sense that is reflected in the more technical aspects of which the compositions are crafted. His records denote a technical skill that unfolds in the crystalline solos typical of a certain prog-rock and in the structure of the songs, which manages to make more dilated and intimate moments coexist with majestic and impressive openings that resonate in grandeur. The feeling that one gets is that Marcin‘s talent is nothing more than a tool to channel emotions, without disdaining the purely musical aspect, which is of the highest level you can find in the post-music scene.
This work is a declaration of intent from the cover, in my opinion truly wonderful and full of a profound and universal meaning, especially in these uncertain times. It really describes the main structure of the record very well, that is, the ambivalent nature of the atmospheres, which coexist and live according to the perception of the listener. Two exactly mirrored points of view that refer to two completely opposite sensations. The beauty of the concept of Point of View lies entirely in this apparent simplicity: it’s a work of art that succeeds in the not-so-easy task of being melancholy and nostalgic, yet bright and full of a sense of hope that radiates positivity through every second.
In this case, the sound solutions have the dual function of being an absolute pleasure for the ears, embracing both fans of the most classic post-rock and those of technically flawless instrumental rock; at the same time it’s the soul that draws the greatest benefit from it. The songs shine for dynamics, assisted by a crystalline sound of the guitars (the sound of the guitar in “Depths of Despair” is beyond gorgeous), where atmospheric soundscapes alternate with more post-metal structures, full of hard rock and progressive kind of riffs. It’s a flawless record from the mixing and mastering point of view, that was made again by the trusty Widek. This record sounds heavenly in any kind of environment. I listened to it on headphones, in the car, on the speakers. The solos always shine for the crystalline clarity with which they stand out in the best moments, embellishing elegant and colorful sound textures.
This album is captivating in every sense of the word. It almost seems to become one with the impeccable flow of the songs, which manages to reveal soundscapes full of emotion in every passage. I will never forget the chills I felt during the first “Left Alone” listen: those initial notes full of nostalgia, so intimate and delicate that they turn into a majestic and airy cinematic section, while retaining the most melancholy factor in the backbone of the composition, making these two souls coexist in the most beautiful way. Not to mention Stel Andre’s solo, of indescribable beauty, which elevates the piece even more to a marvelous explosion of triumph.
The tracks of this beautiful record are all of the highest level: “Sense of Calm” sets the sensation of clarity to music as a consequence of simplicity, with a sumptuous and moving melody that radiates the mind with solemn arrangements; “Vector” alternates an almost carefree lightness, entrusted to the delay of the main guitar with more impressive moments. Songs like the gigantic “Unknown Path” exudes compositional mastery with a fresh and entertaining approach; the distortion that sweeps across the stereo panorama as a break, the guitar phrases, the interlude full of that sweet nostalgia. It’s a piece that shakes the foundations of the soul with its combination of virtuosity, technique and sensitivity.
In Point of View you can breathe a profound and crepuscular air. Among Marcin‘s three works, perhaps this is the one that borrows the most from elements akin to post-rock, since each song is full of an overwhelming emotional force to which it is impossible to remain indifferent. Expertly dosed reverbs, repetitions of guitar melodic patterns in delay and solemn drums: fans of post-rock will find something to please their palate, however there are new ideas in terms of composition that embellish the sound without distorting it. All the elements one would expect from a Distant Dream record are present: guests who embellish the compositions, songs that embrace different styles of instrumental rock in a single original and unique combination. Yet Marcin managed to improve an already mature proposal with a sensational album, which blends all the best features of his musical influences.
It’s like these riffs and these melodies have always existed in some other dimension and were waiting to be captured and revealed. Listening to this album is like observing the bold impetuousness of the sun rising to illuminate the calm of a sleeping valley. It is the reflection of dreams that are distant, but not unreachable. It’s the bright and ever-changing feeling of calm that accompanies the feeling of acceptance: of one’s own limits, of pain as a complementary sphere to serenity and of the eternal alternation of light and shadow, courage and fear, positive and negative.
Marcin introspects and understands the ups and downs are part of the same wonderful whole, and that the reality of what we see is profoundly influenced by how we decide to observe it, from the point of view to which we decide to give more meaning. He tells us in his own cinematic way with an elegant succession of harmonic weaves, now more delicate and impactful with impeccable fluid guitar melodies, solos and rhythmic solutions that spark talent from every compositional choice. Each element is in its place to outline the contours of a work that shakes the soul thanks to a passion and sensitivity which is sprinkled with every single detail. Go grab this work of art, my friends. It’s a powerful record that will enlighten your days and give you a gigantic sense of perspective and awareness.
(Autoproduzione, 2020)
1. In Coma
2. Depths of Despair
3. Havoc
4. Vector
5. Left Alone
6. I Hope
7. Sense of Calm
8. Unknown Path
9. Echo
10. Insomnia