Review Summary: A magical winter experience.
Right off the bat I must mention that
Winternight Fairytales is unlike anything I’ve previously experienced - yet on some level the reason it appeals to me so much is precisely because of the comfort and solace promised within the joyous world these two Russian artists have created. There’s something so charming to this collection of Christmas-themed synth pieces that warms the soul and fills the listener with a sense of contentment. Both sides wholly embody the joy and magic of the occasion, with an atmosphere so well established that one cannot help but be drawn in and feel personally invested in the journey time and time again. Simple feel-good songs they are not: instead Pабор and Rævjäger create a depth and realism to their tales by mixing wonderful melodies and songwriting talent with spoken word passages, various samples, and allusions to pre-existing Christmas fables.
The split opens with the Pабор side and immediately labours to set the mood with tolling bells reminiscent of unmistakably seasonal tunes. Transitioning into a more expansive plucked melody backed by an open soundscape, the song tells of freshly powdered ground and a sleeping town awaiting the height of Christmas eve, perfectly embodying its title of ‘Midnight’. With an edge of mystery and playfulness it conveys a sense of expectation; of children struggling to settle down and sleep as they anticipate the joys of christmas morning. There couldn’t be a better way to open this album than with a track that promises so much, because the remainder of the split certainly delivers. What is so impressive about
Winternight Fairytales is just how cohesively both sides complement one another. You can certainly tell there are two distinct projects here, but they work together towards a common goal and the results are downright beautiful. Rævjäger’s ‘ Blue Arrow’s Journey’ is an absolute highlight, featuring the unmistakable whistle and steady chugging of a train in motion. These sound are interlaced with an upbeat, dazzling melody that builds a world of quiet delight right before the mind’s eye. I can’t help but think of the Polar Express, paired with the brightness of midday Christmas eve preparations and an overall air of cheeriness.
The attention to detail from both musicians is truly astounding and well worth exploring. A handful of my own favourite moments would have to include the fantastic use of spoken-word segments by Pабор in ‘Being a Ghost Story of Christmas’, which makes use of quotes taken from Charles Dickens’ famous book
A Christmas Carol to great effect while matching the mood of the novel instrumentally as it progresses. I’m compelled to also mention the true grandeur of Rævjäger’s ‘In the Halls of the Snow Queen’, which authentically recreates visions of high ceilings, vast empty corridors, and echoing chambers with the reverb-laden synth chords and chorus-like melodic notes. This track more than the rest feels the most like traditional dungeon synth with its powerful, relatively dark composition and a palpable weight behind what Rævjäger chooses to reveal. This is only a taste of what the artists offer here, all of which amounts to an album so chock full of details left to appreciate and discover one by one. This alone speaks volumes as to how much energy must have gone into its creation, but in addition to that it’s also such an enjoyable and transportive album; one that almost requires imagination and some level of work on the listener's part to have a fully immersive experience. So my parting advice should you choose to listen is to have fun with
Winternight Fairytales, and follow wherever the music may lead you.
