Release Date: September 27, 2025
Label: Independent
In May, I enjoyed Alexander Sussman’s Sonic Calm Part One. Now it’s time to check out Sonic Calm 2. I would anticipate the continuation of sounds; however, one never knows what they may discover while listening.
As “Hymn” begins, the spiritual essence of the music instantly envelops you, creating a sense of tranquility and peace. It’s a serene experience that begins the moment you hit play.
The layered effect of the synths in “Hymn” guides you on a journey of self-discovery, inviting you to fall into its graceful embrace. It’s a contemplative start that sets the tone for the entire album.
“Hygge” has more resonance and higher-end tones, with a fuller volume. There is a ding of a bell sound that comes in to remind you of its focus and ambient layers of auditory magnificence. The tempos are variable, creating something you want to hear until the end as you notice subtle nuances that are woven into the composition.
“Twilight” would indicate a connection to nature,
something organic, a natural course of daily life.
The flow of the music, with its light tones and colors, helps you to envision what twilight looks like inside your mind while listening. I am being reminded of some of the great recording artists who created music like this, such as Vangelis and Tangerine Dream. That is indicative of this kind of composition and a complete compliment to the creator.
Now we move on to the next phase, where the sun sets and twilight gives way to night.
“Nocturne” takes you there gently. A tinkling piano is like a soft pillow to rest your head on as the synths do their work to embellish every note. By now, after reaching this fourth track, you should find yourself in a deep meditative state or gradually emerging from it. Of course, this is solely based on the time you allot for this practice. Similarly, this can be simple relaxation with no specific intent but that. Either choice is a good one, and this track enables you to be in the place you desire consciously.
“Reverie” is a state of being lost in thought or daydreaming, often characterized by a pleasant or imaginative train of thought. It can also refer to a dreamy or abstracted state of mind. The music captures that state of being in an inviting and pleasurable way. Keeping in mind, this is not music to excite you; it’s meant for focus, relaxation, contemplation, introspection, and allowing the jumble of cerebral activity to subside, thereby attaining a deeper level of consciousness. This is lovely and so engaging in that way, and at the same time, it sounds like it could serve as a soundtrack to many multimedia platforms.
“Hypnagogi” is a strange word I have never encountered before. Hypnagogia is the transitional state of consciousness that occurs as you fall asleep, characterized by vivid sensory experiences, including hallucinations, sounds, and feelings of movement. This state can involve a mix of dream-like imagery and reality, often leading to phenomena like sleep paralysis or lucid dreaming.
As we progress through this listening experience and
gain an understanding of the track titles, the concepts begin to take hold.
This train of thought encompasses a comprehensive process. The music is the key
that unlocks that door as you step into a new world allowed by the frequencies,
sounds, and textures created by the synth layers and the adaptations of tempos
in those layers.
“Introspection” is the primary focus here, referring to the process of turning inward to reflect on one’s thoughts and feelings. The piano begins, melodically and purposefully, with wordless vocal sounds enhancing its timbre. As I listened, I could turn inward and travel outward beyond the confines of my physical space. This, to me, allows a healing to begin, and it’s threefold: spiritual, physical, and mental.
“Retreat” is a noteworthy term to consider. It is used in various contexts throughout the English language. However, in this instance, based on the music, this feels like taking stock of one’s frame of mind and shifting the reference point to pull back, allowing the healing frequencies of the composition to take hold. The insertion of occasional wordless vocals or synths emulating them adds depth to the tracks in a spiritual, healing way. This is an excellent example of that approach within the composition’s structure.
The title track, “Sonic Calm,” aims to draw you into this musical journey from the very beginning. Here are the starting points of the closing track and the eventual end. Coming full circle musically, spiritually, and with purpose. As each track presented itself as a separate meditative experience, the length of this track, 7:16, brings it all full circle, combining the best of the composer’s abilities to maintain the ambient instrumental soundscapes. This music massages your being gently yet succinctly.
Sonic Calm 2, with its colorful, picturesque cover art, evokes a serene atmosphere as it soothes your mind, body, and soul through the sounds of Alexander Sussman. This is a place I would like to be 24/7, but that is not realistic. Alternatively, you can set aside a block of time during your day or evening to listen to these sounds. It is time well spent, and it will benefit you in ways you may not yet realize.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Review Founder
October
6, 2025
Tracks:
1. Hymn 4:34
2. Hygge 4:14
3. Twilight 5:06
4. Nocturne 5:50
5. Reverie 5:12
6. Hypnagogia 4:16
7. Introspection 5:08
8. Retreat 4:50
9. Sonic Calm 7:16
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