Doing Is Better Than Saying With "Ratyński Snug as a Gun"

Emphasizing on grace and melodic structures, Pawel Ratynski lets the music speak for itself, for himself, and for everyone else. As a matter of fact, he claims that the role of music “builds our image of the world in a more universal and lasting way than words”.

Let’s face it, every score is not like the other, and this EP is no different. Ratynski has done his part by curating two special, intricate tracks and has imparted his sentiments and intentions; music veterans have a lot more to say theory-wise about complex arrangements such as these ones, but how can they connect with other listeners?

The absence of words takes meaning to a whole new level. No one knows what to expect or how to feel on the first listen, there are no words to explicitly tell them the message. It’s like seeing a film without spoilers, or walking an unfamiliar and different path home. There’s nothing more to it than to experience the music firsthand, and to feel.

“One Minute Dance” is a minute of – as Ratynski describes it – emotional waltz, and a preparation for the other track ahead. It seems that it goes back and forth with a neighboring section containing a hint of heaviness. A push and pull between the hypnotizing, feeling of lightness, to lower guitar tones that weigh a bit more than the previous.

The certain change between both songs, both smoothly and abruptly at the same time, represents the human emotion and mind somehow. It’s like a storm brewing, or on the abrupt ones, like the entire psyche crashing out entirely. It’s amazing how music can make insights and thoughts like these arise, because I’m sure each and every listener has a different perspective when they listen to these songs.

For instance, listening to “Snug as a Gun” was a real treat; like coming in as yourself but coming out as a different version altogether. It starts with this neutral-paced guitar, almost envisioning just going about your day like one would usually do. As it is, it goes on like this for a while, but another certain heaviness gets slowly incorporated with the calmness. Then, a segment that sounded like broken, chaotic chords came in, before returning to that original melody, but now it brings that darkness from the previous section with it.

It’s art like this that requires an ample amount of time and listening to really notice every component within; a certain tempo or dynamic change, an additional note, and more. “Ratyński Snug as a Gun” aims to capture the essence of human emotion, aiding listeners like a friend, offering a certain kinship with it the moment you press play.