Organic and soulful optimism and brightness – essential in times of great division and uncertainty. Esteemed composer and pianist Antonija Pacek releases one of the year’s most hopeful and promising instrumental albums, with the aptly-titled serenity and charm of Soul Sanctuary.
After All, Summer seems the perfect introduction, a joyful dance from the keys, a meandering soundscape that’s comforting and uplifting, uniquely structured for that original core but rooted in the wonder and warmth of effective, satisfying melodies and movements.
Antonija’s hope for Soul Sanctuary is that it provides healing and positivity to hopefully overcome or at least over power the negativity and noise of the modern world. As we move into the softness and calm of Serendipity, that goal is quietly but consciously realised, and the music feels deeply evocative, but also themed around hope and peace in a way that lingers – thanks to the slightly more upbeat bounce of the opener.
Contrast matters, and despite the solo piano essence of Soul Sanctuary, composer Antonija Pacek has mastered the art of that throughout this album. The subsequent Crossroad is notably more thoughtful and melancholic, but it’s a crucial part of the journey, and a personal favourite for the depth of how it makes you feel. It’s also followed effectively by the stop-start creative rhythm and classical peaks of Heartfelt, where passion takes the wheel and inspires you, softly motivates you.
After this, the simplicity of Joy as a title is countered by a stunning and complex, impressive piano piece, reminiscent of the opening track somewhat, and providing a fitting twist of Joy and energy at the album’s mid-section.
Snow Dance is stunning, an absolute highlight that carefully balances the heart-breaking and the blissfully immersive, uplifting essence of happiness. Then we move into the smoother tones of Better Days, for the quiet contemplation of hope for tomorrow; something of a moment of stillness, a chance to calm yourself and feel gratitude for the present moment.
Easiness furthers this stillness, appreciation and joy, with a simple but striking display of musicianship – an artist masterfully capturing affection, commanding the space with subtlety and nuance, and presenting a beautifully intoxicating composition and performance.
Farewell is then sublime, a deeply moving piece, which has familiarities that are comforting, but which holds your attention regardless, thanks to the varying degrees of energy, passion and volume utilised by the talented pianist Antonija Pacek.
The album also includes a bonus track entitled Eagle, and there’s a welcomed tentativeness to the keys here, which adds something delicate but melodically ambitious and inspiring to the album’s final chapter.
When the world and its wars are dictated by a select few powerful individuals, it can feel overwhelming, even impossible, to work towards positive change. But there is power in unity, always – and we can always make good choices.
Be kind to each other. Share the good things in life. Remind yourself of the beauty of the world. And never let go of hope.
Album out August 28th. Find Antonija Pacek on Instagram or her Website.
