“Whispering Ln”, marks a significant milestone for Estonian composer and keyboardist Volodja Brodsky. Known for his work with psych-funk and rare groove bands like Estrada Orchestra, Centre El Muusa, and the Misha Panfilov Septet, Brodsky has made a sharp pivot in this album, embracing hypnotic minimalism and contemplative ambient music as a central artistic philosophy.
Recorded entirely during Brodsky’s trip to the United States between 2018 and 2019, “Whispering Ln” is more than just a collection of compositions; it’s a testament to his deep exploration of minimalism’s transformative power. The album’s six tracks delve into a soundscape that is as much about what isn’t there as what is. Brodsky has stripped away the excess, leaving behind a sonic canvas that is both ascetic and rich with subtlety.
At first listen, the album’s space-age elements may evoke memories of German avant-garde pioneers such as Cluster or Klaus Schulze as well as French sound artists such as Patrick Juvet or Jean-Michel Jarre. There’s a nostalgic shimmer in Brodsky’s work that harks back to the origins of ambient music and the spiritual new age movement pioneered by artists like LARAAJI. Yet, there’s also something distinctly contemporary in his approach. Where minimalism often risks becoming background noise, Brodsky’s compositions demand attention, drawing the listener into a world where every note, every pause, and every overtone is meticulously crafted to evoke introspection.
“During this period, I was deeply engaged in the study of this art form,” Brodsky shares about the album. “The compositions are meticulously distilled to their most primitive form, crafting an immersive experience that beckons to embark on a journey into the very core of emotions and thoughts.” This ethos permeates “Whispering Ln”, where simplicity is not merely a method but a destination.
Each track unfolds slowly, with Brodsky’s deft use of drones and overtone harmonics creating a monolithic yet soothing atmosphere. The compositions on “Whispering Ln” achieve what many minimalist works strive for but few attain: a balance between simplicity and depth.
