We are always happy when a band requests that we review their album. The Polish band Obrasqi, (‘Form’ translated in English); did just that, and we were so glad to oblige them, after they sent us their files. Obrasqi is currently on tour supporting Poland’s most well-known progressive rock band, Riverside. They sent us their new album, Whispers of Silence, (in Polish Szepty Ciszy), and it is simply wonderful. Szepty Ciszy was released on September 22, 2022.
Obrasqi, a trio of Polish musicians, that make up the band include: Monika Dejk-Ćwikła, on vocals, lyrical writing, backing vocals, and bass; Artur Wolski, on guitars, keyboards, and programming; and Jarosław Bielawski, on drums.
Although they are opening for a progressive rock band on tour, their music transcends genres. They really draw on atmospherics, orchestration and art-rock elements to create modern electro-pop sounds. In 2020, the group received an accolade in the “New Music” category of the musiclife.pl portal’s awards. At the same time, a radio station in their home region of Pomerania named them “Breakthrough Music Act”. A year later, the influential “Hear the City” initiative invited Obrasqi to participate in its emerging indie artists incubator. They have performed at the legendary Polish Radio Music Studio in Warsaw and the Ino-Rock International Festival. Their debut album from 2021, Dopowiedzenia, was lauded by some Polish music press as “Debut Record of the Year”.
Obrasqi, hoped to achieve, with Whispers of Silence, to create,”sounds that are emotions, telling stories in a musical expanse”. Obrasqi’s music “develops landscapes of dreamlike lands immersed in reflection. The cry of the imprisoned souls, filled with images of unobvious sounds, including those ASMR that underline the message of the words even more, and deeper”.
This is very sincere music that demands your attention to detail and your ability to lie silently and contemplate all that the lyrics and stories unveil. Unfortunately for we English speakers all of the lyrics are sung in their native Polish. It sounds wonderful, but you never know exactly what Monika Dejk-Ćwikła is singing. It sounds so wonderful though.
Although Monika Dejk-Ćwikła, and her voice is a powerful draw, Artur Wolski’s keyboards and programming are an artform in their own right. Jarosław Bielawski’s drums and percussion are also very poetic and punctuate the tracks well.
Every track is profound, with Monika’s, at times, almost whispered vocals. She definitely knows how to make you listen, and do so intently. My favorite song is Obiecaj, or “Promise”, because I hope the lyrics are as positive as the words sound. The accompanying music video is absolutely one of my favorites of the year. I could watch those waves and that oceanic storm roar all day. Simply beautiful, haunting and soothing at the same time. Monika performs in all of the music videos I found on their social media sites, and she is the symbol or representation of the band.
The keyboards on the opener, S’wit co Znajdzie glos – “What the Voice Will Find”, are also a highlight of the album.
The closer and epic, over 10 minutes and three separate sections; Mroczne pragnienia, – “Dark Desires”, make you wish even more, for an English translation. The music is epic and powerful.
If you can buy this and enter with an open mind, and except the Polish lyrics, you will indeed find a treasure in the mood created and the emotions flowing through the music running through your earphones or speakers. You will also completely understand why Riverside had to have this band on tour with them. Oh, if only we could hear this in English as well…
Track List:
- S’wit co Znajdzie glos – “What the Voice Will Find” – 7:30
- Szepty ciszy – “Whisper of Silence” – 5:14
- Sila zakazanych westchnien’ – “The Strength of Forbidden Sighs” – 3:03
- Paradosq – “Unemployed” – 0:50
- Nie Budz – “Don’t Wake Up” – 2:27
- Obiecaj – “Promise” – 8:12
- – 10:13
- Iskra we mnie – “A Spark Inside Me”
- Nieprzetlumaczalne slowa – “Untranslatable Words”
Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/obrasqi/?hl=en
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/obrasqi/1471512710
Music Videos: