Crystal Sound Project pushes musical convention on In The Willow Dream, creating an album that’s expansive yet minimalist in its execution. This is not an album that leans on conventional song structures or radio-friendly hooks. Instead, each track unfolds at its own pace, building a world that feels boundless, exploring various vocal textures—whispers, spoken word, and traditional singing—that add layers of intrigue and unpredictability.
The production throughout is striking, blending organic instrumentation with sounds that feel otherworldly, often blurring the line between acoustic and synthetic. It feels like the songs were crafted as much with texture as with melody. Tracks like “Hope is Forbidden for the Loving” stand out, with its haunting, fog-laden atmosphere that’s both dissonant and unexpectedly beautiful. It draws you in with hypnotic rhythms, creating an unsettling yet mesmerizing effect, leaving an impression long after the track fades.
“Abborredansen” takes a more ambient route, feeling like an exploration of the sonic environment itself, akin to the work of Jon Hopkins or Shalabi Effect. It’s not immediate or accessible but asks for your patience. The subtle builds and environmental textures don’t demand attention but coax you into a state of introspection. The more you lean into it, the more layers reveal themselves, making In The Willow Dream an album that rewards deep, attentive listening. It’s a record that challenges its audience to fully engage, offering a slow burn that’s rich with hidden gems.
Discover the record on Spotify:
