Shadows of the Past: A Review of Hania Rani's 'Ghosts'

In the ever-evolving tapestry of contemporary classical music, few names resonate as profoundly as Hania Rani. An award-winning pianist, composer, and singer from Gdansk, Poland, Rani has carved a niche for herself with her sublime fusion of traditional piano compositions and modern soundscapes. Since her acclaimed debut, "Esja", in 2019, which effortlessly melded minimalism with raw emotion, she has continued to push boundaries. Her sophomore venture, "Home", was an expansive cinematic masterpiece that further solidified her position in the world of New Classical music, experimenting with vocals in her compositions. Now, with her third solo offering, "Ghosts", Rani invites listeners on a poignant journey, exploring themes of life and death, reality and illusion.

A Harmonious Sonic Narrative

Hania Rani's "Ghosts" emerges from the depths of her introspective artistry, released under the banner of Gondwana Records today on October 6th, 2023. Featuring the talents of Patrick Watson, Ólafur Arnalds, and Duncan Bellamy of Portico Quartet, each track is imbued with a distinctive signature. Moreover, with Viktor Orri Árnason orchestrating the string arrangements and Greg Freeman's adept mixing, the album boasts a polished sound, further refined by John Davis's mastering at Metropolis Studios. Rani describes „Ghosts“ as an attempt to "start something from scratch," picking tools and narratives that, while unfamiliar, resonate deeply with her. The album navigates the realms of life and death, light and shadow, tangibility and ethereality. It stands as an embodiment of Rani's desire to confront and embrace her fears, to meld past, present, and future into a harmonious sonic narrative. This is Rani at her most vulnerable, yet her most audacious, weaving her personal mythologies into every chord and lyric.

Alien Point of Departure

The opening track, "Oltre Terra" (translating from Italian to "Beyond Earth"), sets the stage for the entire album, offering listeners a glimpse into the vast sonic universe that Rani has crafted. The track commences with warm synthesizers gently cradled by ethereal strings, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the expansive cosmos. As the track progresses, sporadic beeps transition into soundscapes, evoking memories of the legendary Steve Roach's ambient masterpieces. Rani's musical choice for this introductory piece establishes a tone that is both mysterious and forward-looking. The cinematic aura it exudes would not be out of place as a soundtrack to a cyberpunk film, painting images of neon-lit streets and a world both familiar and foreign. It's a beckoning into Rani's mind and the journey she has embarked upon in "Ghosts." The atmospheric nature of "Oltre Terra" serves as an apt precursor to the depths and heights the album will traverse, inviting listeners to embark on this ethereal journey with her.

Following the atmospheric introduction of "Oltre Terra," Rani introduces us to the vocal dimension of "Ghosts" with "Hello." The track opens with a mesmerizing synthesizer arpeggio, underpinned by rhythmic drums that might evoke memories of Pink Floyd's "On the Run" from their iconic "Dark Side of the Moon." However, Rani ensures the song retains its distinct identity.

As the instrumental sets the pace, it's Rani's voice that truly captivates. Her vocals seamlessly weave through the melody, conveying a sense of nocturnal wonder. She delves into the profound emotions experienced during the stillness of night, where every mundane detail is imbued with profound significance and inner turmoil feels magnified. Her lyrics paint a vivid picture of sleepless nights, where reason is powerless against the overwhelming tide of thoughts and feelings. As the song progresses, listeners are treated to a jazzy piano solo, a testament to Rani's versatility. Through this track, Rani showcases not just her prowess as a vocalist, but also her ability to craft songs that strike a delicate balance between innovative soundscapes and raw, emotive storytelling.

Collaborative Brilliance

One of the standout facets of "Ghosts" is Hania Rani's adeptness at weaving collaborations into the album's fabric, yet retaining her characteristic sound. "Don't Break My Heart," featuring Duncan Bellamy of Portico Quartet, unfolds as a jazz-tinged ballad. Bellamy's drumming, while subtle, crafts a rhythmic canvas allowing Rani's poignant vocals to take center stage. The song's emotional depth is palpable as Rani yearns for a past where ignorance was a comforting shield against painful truths.

"Dancing with Ghosts" sees Rani teaming up with the evocative voice of Patrick Watson. The track, characterized by a melancholic piano and layered synthesizer textures, is a haunting duet exploring the ephemerality of relationships and the looming possibility of partings. Their harmonious interplay, combined with the question "Are we saying goodbye?", serves as a poignant reminder of the transitory nature of human connections. Integral parts of our lives fade into shadows of the past, which Rani seems to embrace when she dances with ghosts. Notably, the cinematic aura of the song suggests Rani's potential in penning tracks fit for even the sultry and timeless realm of James Bond themes.

"Whispering House" is another masterstroke of collaboration, this time with Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds. The track, largely instrumental, creates an ambiance of an old, empty house where whispered tales of bygone days seem to drift with the wind underlined by Ranis ethereal humming. Arnalds, renowned for his ambient soundscapes and evocative film scores, perfectly complements Rani's neo-classical style. The result is a minimalistic yet profound piece that serves as a sonic journey through memories and time.

Innovation and Tradition

Hania Rani's prowess as an instrumentalist shines brightly in tracks like "24.03" and "Komeda." In "24.03," she delves deep into electronic soundscapes, layering complex textures to weave an intricate tapestry of sound using just her synthesizers. The track evokes ethereal, almost spiritual qualities, echoing the album's overarching themes of life and death. Moments within the piece, where organ-like sounds emerge, anchor the listener in a contemplative space, making it a cornerstone for the album. This electronic dimension of Rani's work is both refreshing and captivating, highlighting her versatility and willingness to experiment.

"Komeda" stands out as a remarkable 11-minute instrumental journey. The track begins with a bassy synthesizer arpeggio that evolves into rich soundscapes, overlaid with Rani's signature neo-classical piano playing. The fusion of traditional elements with modern ambient and jazzy riffs showcases the pinnacle of Rani's artistry. It's a testament to her ability to merge the old with the new, creating a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. The track encapsulates the essence of Rani's unique approach: blending her classical roots with forward-thinking compositions. The sheer depth and exploration in "Komeda" make it a personal highlight of "Ghosts."

Exploring Existence

Hania Rani's exploration of existence becomes especially evident in tracks like "Moans" and "Thin Line."

"Moans" is a bold confrontation of mortality, where Rani's voice adopts a richer, darker timbre. She sings of a desire to experience profound love, even as the specter of death looms. The instrumentation crafts a balance, dancing deftly between the dual themes of hope and despair.

In "Thin Line," rhythmic and contemplative, Rani delves into the cyclical nature of existence. Featuring the dynamic accompaniment of Duncan Bellamy, the track becomes a meditation on life's inherent dualities. The lyrics ponder the delicate balance between life and death, suggesting that they are two sides of the same coin. As Rani poetically queries, "Why, why the sound of death has shape of life. Why this sound is carrying me," she invites listeners to introspect on the interconnectedness of existence and mortality. Through these tracks, Rani masterfully navigates the profound complexities of our human experience.

The album concludes with "Nostalgia," a poignant instrumental piece that serves as a fitting bookend. Here, Rani strips back the layers to present a raw, heartfelt piano composition. The track is as its title suggests inherently nostalgic, evoking memories and emotions from the past, yet its simplicity and elegance also point to Rani's roots in classical music.

In "Nostalgia," Rani offers listeners a moment of reflection, a respite after the album's expansive journey. The track is a reminder of the power of music to evoke emotions, memories, and feelings. It's a testament to Rani's mastery as a composer and musician – her ability to convey profound emotions through simple, elegant compositions. As "Ghosts" comes to a close, "Nostalgia" leaves listeners with a sense of completion, yet also a longing for more. It's a gentle farewell, hinting at the end of one chapter and the anticipation of the next. The track encapsulates the album's themes of beginnings and endings, and the cyclical nature of existence. In essence, it's a reflection on the past, a contemplation of the present, and a hopeful gaze towards the future.

A Testament to Evolution

With "Ghosts," Rani ventures into uncharted territories, melding her neo-classical roots with ambient, jazz, and electronic influences firther integrating impressive vocals into her repertoire. The inclusion of vocals in tracks like "Hello" and "Dancing with Ghosts" reveals a more confident and expressive Rani, while her instrumental pieces, such as "Komeda," underscore her matured prowess in merging traditional and modern musical elements.

Through its tracks, Rani invites listeners on a journey that oscillates between the ethereal and the tangible, the past and the present, life and death. The album's diverse soundscape, enriched by collaborations and Rani's unique artistic touch, offers an immersive experience that resonates on multiple levels.

From the futuristic vibes of "Oltre Terra" to the deeply contemplative "Nostalgia," Rani demonstrates her prowess in weaving intricate musical narratives. Her ability to combine the traditional with the contemporary, the instrumental with the vocal, and the classical with the modern makes "Ghosts" a standout in today's musical landscape.

The album also underscores Rani's growth as an artist. While she remains rooted in her classical background, her willingness to venture into new territories, experiment with different sounds, and collaborate with diverse artists speaks volumes about her versatility and vision.

In "Ghosts," Hania Rani has crafted a masterpiece that is both timely and timeless. It's a testament to her artistry, her evolution, and her ability to touch the souls of listeners. As the last notes of "Nostalgia" fade, one can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the musical journey Rani has shared and anticipation for where she might take us next.