“Sonic Calm 2” by Alexander Sussman
Album Review by New Age CD and New Age Notes Radio Staff
From the very first notes of “Sonic Calm 2,” we know we are in for something deeply relaxing, soul soothing, and profoundly rejuvenating to the spirit. “Sonic Calm 2,” a 9-track album, comes on the heels of Alexander’s successful, #1 charting, “Sonic Calm – Part One” released earlier this year.
This is 46 minutes of a deliberately quiet album with slowed-down melodies where the listener finds themselves drifting gently through luminously woven layers of sonic texture. Here, Alexander has created an intimate space for deep inner peace and reflection, effortlessly leading us into the heart of the spiritual.
Alexander studied classical piano and composition at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. He has extensive experience re-scoring orchestrations for smaller ensembles. His classical foundation and orchestral scoring work are evident in his music, which consistently features a New Age sensibility.
Having previously immersed himself in monastic life through training in Myanmar, Thailand, and Missouri, USA, Alexander’s musical compositions blend his passion for meditative practices and his deep exploration of Buddhism into the realm of New Age music meditative essence with skilled orchestral understanding.
Continuing Alexander’s exploration of Buddhist meditation in music, this final installment of “Sonic Calm” invites a turning inward – a shift in awareness toward the present moment. Thus, in surrendering to stillness, we find ourselves immersed in a personal sanctuary where sound becomes a pathway to presence and a platform for healing and relaxation.
The album opens with the very tranquil, “Hymn.” With its soft synth sounds and calming ambiance, this is straightforwardly beautiful and unpretentious. The melody unfolds with unhurried grace leading us wonderfully into the serenity.
Following is the gentle, soft, and slow, “Hygge” which embodies a feeling, like the meaning of its title, of warmth, coziness, and comfort that beckons us into life’s simple pleasures. It’s a reminder of a certain way of life.
Twilight is a magical time where day slips silkily into night. Here, in this captivating piece, “Twilight,” we completely relax through its luscious, evolving synth harmonies and find ourselves simply letting go. The same is true for “Nocturne,” where a very soft pulse leads us into a profound sense of peace. This feels deeply restorative.
Both dreamy and expansive, “Reverie” seems to breathe all on its own. This is steady and ultra-calming, with a serene focus that takes you from quietude to illumination.
Hypnagogia is that strange state of consciousness between sleep and waking. Are we here or there. . .or everywhere? Here, in “Hypnagogia,” Alexander leads us softly and successfully into that liminal space where we are able to float easily in and out. This – and the entire album, in fact – is just superb for meditating, sleep, study, massage, and focus.
“Introspection” is just that. It is a quiet conversation with the self, reflective and unfiltered. We are alone with ourselves but never abandoned. This is simple, intimate, and contemplative solo piano with the barest of synth and ethereal vocals.
Sometimes, we need to just withdraw from the hectic pace of life and retreat into our own personal space. “Retreat” provides a most gentle and structured sanctuary where we can heal and restore mind, body, and spirit.
This peaceful and calming album winds down with the title track, providing the most perfect conclusion to this definitively restful and restorative album. This ending is its own masterclass in release — a splendid, long-string resolution, vast and complete and sonically calm beyond mere words.
This is an album that gracefully and profoundly transcends the physical and elevates the spiritual. Impossible to choose a favorite, you will want to get the whole thing – in addition to “Sonic Calm – Part One” – for the full experience.
Get it here: https://alexandersussman.com
