Establishing the mood with the title track of the record, Stefan Kristinkov opens Notes Of The Observer with an ethereal synth melody and a whirring bassline with astral bell nuances, tapping into a cosmic nature that has us fully hypnotized.
The opus expands with a meditative clarinet, reminding us of a journey into the spiritual realm. The opener switches us with a minor key shift and a darker embodiment as drama ensues. We appreciate the textured drums and the captivating energy that the composition manifests. The tempo shifts keep us enthralled as the piece taps into a sublime and peaceful frequency, with cohesive bold gestures and magical symphonic details.
This leads us to Legacy or Due, which holds a subversive energy with a melancholic, haunting edge. The airy textured sound design serves as a darker counterpart to the record’s opening track, showcasing the composer’s dimensionality. We appreciate the drama and cinematic build of the piece, and could imagine it as the score of a Hollywood thriller.
Next up is On A Fading Rustle, which opens with a sense of immersion and calm. Glistening high keys create a dynamic tapestry of sound with the meditative bass. The legato pace is a welcome temporal change. The peaceful nature of the track allows us to connect with our inner world, encouraging self-realization.
Mirrored Lake is a serene peace with pulsating synths and astral melodies that feel akin to an ascension, whilst reverberating metallic nuances and wobbly bass notes entice us further into Stefan Kristinkov‘s universe.
This brings us to Silent Guardians which further amplifies the overarching meditative nature that the composer brings to life with his work, whilst Cracked Roots evokes further drama and sensual intrigue, reminding us of early Clint Mansell. Cinematic drama ensues, and a signature warbling bassline brings the more subversive edge that Stefan Kristinkov delivers.
Missing Voices opens with an 80s adjacent synth akin to a movie like Drive. It cements the record as a masterfully crafted musical odyssey that defies genre boundaries, seamlessly blending elements of ambient electronic, new age, cross-over jazz, and neo-classical music.
It is no surprise that the album has been over eight years in the making, serving as a testament to Kristinkov’s unwavering dedication to his craft, offering us a profound journey through sound that mirrors his deep reverence for nature and meticulous attention to musical detail.
There are elements reminiscent of pioneers like Brian Eno and Aphex Twin, but is it also clear that Kristinkov is manifesting a universe of his very own. Fog Veiled Wonders constructs an intricate soundscape that envelops us in a serene, introspective atmosphere, enhancing this meditative exploration of the natural world. The influence of new age luminaries such as Enya and Vangelis is also palpable, with the album’s spiritual and contemplative qualities inviting us to embark on a deeply personal journey through sound.
This brings us to Granite and Pine, which draws us into a peaceful and warmer energy. We appreciate the brighter tones and opportunity to connect with oneness through the composer’s cosmic creation, particularly the finale of this track which feels like a psychedelic trip.
Eagle’s Solitude feels timeless and in line with the overarching ascension theme – a heavenly adventure where we feel enlightened and floating in the astral realm. Finally, we experience Rusted Pathways which opens with dimensionality, some reversed glitches and a more dynamic approach bringing us full circle and reminding us of the power of creation.
It is clear that Kristinkov’s performances are not merely displays of technical prowess but are deeply emotive expressions that resonate with the natural world he so deeply admires. Each note is played with meticulous attention to detail, creating a cinematic experience that transcends language and speaks directly to the soul. The album feels less like a collection of songs and more like a series of emotional vignettes, each one a ‘note’ from the observer’s perspective, inviting listeners to reflect on the interconnectedness of the world around us.
Recorded over three days in Brooklyn, Notes of the Observer is a transformative musical journey, where each track unfolds like a chapter in a beautifully written story. Kristinkov, along with producer Boris Coello and the expert mixing and mastering by SpryAudio, has created an album that encourages listeners to pause, contemplate, and rediscover the beauty and complexity of existence through the lens of music.
We have added Notes of the Observer to our New Music Spotlight playlist, as well as our TRIPPY playlist, whilst we continue to explore the wider discography of Stefan Kristinkov, and anticipate future releases from the visionary composer.