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In any other situation, I would laugh out loud if I saw an album described as a “sonic experience” rather than merely music to be listened to. But listening to the Crystal Sound Project, I find no better way of putting what they do.
Because “In the Willow Dream” is a sonic experience, one that goes beyond merely making music in any conventional way and instead takes in all manner of sounds and styles. It also gleefully jumps genre and geography, sound and style, form and function, and then goes beyond music itself, pushing as it does into the discipline of poetry rather than merely lyrics. Songs here take in four languages, numerous sonic shapes, and no small amount of improvisation and sonic exploration.
Best considered as a whole, this is a suite of music that wanders freely about the musical landscape. As it does so, it asks us to consider everything from war and isolation to loss and longing and love, to death and resurrection, but it does so in more conceptual and less direct ways. This is especially true if, unlike the band, you are not multilingual.
But, like all good bands, it is as much the music that they make that relates to the message that they wish to deliver. Through drifting ambiance and jazz-infused forms, folk finesse and poised pop, world music and gentle yet boundary-pushing rock, neo-classical grace, and more, they deliver music that makes you feel and also makes you think.
This might seem like a highbrow concept, music as high art, and it is, but it is also a gorgeous collection of tracks. Here, there really is something for everyone, at least those with discerning and broad tastes, so just take from it what you wish.
