Bilyana Furnadzhieva and Viktor Bénév, the duo behind Crystal Sound Project, have crafted something rare with In The Willow Dream, their third full-length effort. This is an album that breathes—each track unfolding like a meditative experience, coaxing listeners into conscious states that feels almost otherworldly.
Opening with “The Screen,” the album sets a cinematic tone. The track's spacious arrangement feels tailor-made for the kind of atmospheric scenes found in film or TV, as percussion, bass, and piano swirl around a central vocal presence. French spoken word sections weave into English-sung verses, creating a bilingual interplay that heightens the sense of expansiveness.
“Meeting Point” takes a different route, revolving around a delicate flute motif, paired with gorgeous piano work that is as elegant as it is understated. “Hope Is Forbidden For The Loving” evokes a dreamlike haze, where jazzy drums and electric piano lines blur into lush, misty soundscapes.
“Nara” offers a shift in tone—its sprawling guitar work hints at Mogwai-esque post-rock influences, while the vocals glide through the song with dynamic intensity. “Rain” builds on that momentum, cascading vocal layers washing over the track, achieving an ethereal grandeur that remains grounded in atmosphere.
“Profetia B” brings a serene beauty without veering into excess, feeling deeply connected to the natural world. It’s as if the music itself blooms organically, like flora intertwining with the rhythms of the earth. Meanwhile, “Nocturnal Mood” and “Dark Wheel” veer into more surreal territory, recalling the moody, dreamlike qualities of a David Lynch score. The closer, “Abborredansen,” captures moments of awe, leaving a lasting impression as the final notes fade.
In The Willow Dream is a unique and avant-garde exploration of sonic textures, playing with mood and form in a way that feels both cerebral and visceral. Its shifting layers and ethereal compositions invite listeners into liminal spaces, where the boundaries of sound and consciousness blur. It’s an album that encourages deep listening, and one that subtly defies easy categorization.
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