Victor Gashnikov "Untold Stories”- Album Review by Jam Band Purist

When I first began writing about music, I wanted to impact my local Jam community but as I've grown in my writing, so has the need for honesty and integrity concerning all musical genres. When asked to do a musical review for a classical composer and pianist Victor Gashnikov, I jumped at the chance to not only expand my musical horizons but my musical writing as well.

Victor Gashnikov "Untold Stories”- Album Review by Jam Band Purist
Victor Gashnikov is a very talented Composer/Pianist from Moscow, Russia. Victor takes cues from classic rock 'n' roll icons and transforms them into piano compositions that rival the intensity of rock 'n' roll itself. One thing I love about instrumental and classical compositions is the freedom to think as much or as little as the listener would like. I often times let the music become me, embracing it and letting it fill my body, mind and soul. Listening to this album was no different.

The album "Untold Stories" begins with the song, "New Day" which is light and polished with dark undertones. This is a perfect opening song for the album. Nice transitional works, I put this song on several times after listening to the album just for ambience.

Victor shows increasing versatility as the album proceeds with "Begin Again," build ups and crescendos are very reminiscent of classic rock ballads and changes, while still adhering to the traditional values and form of classical compositions. The music is very thought-provoking yet simple enough to be understood by all.

The recording themselves are done in his home studio in Moscow and are well done and fairly clean, although anyone with a trained ear can hear the time signature changes and some of the layered home studio styled recording process. I would love to see what Victor could do with a larger studio platform and possibly some accompaniment.
“Deviations” is a deep emotional song that reminds me of many rock songs, mostly 1970s compositions but the classical element outweighs any thought of rock 'n' roll in the song.

In “A Moment Of Doubt“ we hear classical grand piano movements for a change of pace and style. Again, Victor shows his compositional talent with breathless and easy intent. Great starts and stops to each developing sequence with many ups and downs.

“Into The Past” begins with a harpsichord, which is always a nice change and I love the sound of a classical instruments such as that. Next the harpsichord mixes perfectly with the organ and Victor Gashnikov uses his melodic lines to trace a vision of the past, future and present. This song is most impressive and shows amazing finger work by our composer.

“Calm Before The Storm” is just as the name implies; a dark foreboding feeling accompanied by beautiful but hard, chord stops. “Lonely Yet Not Alone” begins with fast and moving piano strokes, led over chord structures and refused to form something greater then it's equal parts. The longing feeling combined with the etherealness of being alone could be felt through this song's intense vibrations.

“Salvation” is possibly one of my favorite pieces from this album. It's very reminiscent of Beethoven, dark, languid and despairing while still remaining uplifting and strong to the core. The doubling of the solo structures in this tracks help create a full and rich sound. “The Only One” takes on a light hearted spirit with tinkling piano sounds that force the listener into evocative emotional states.

Overall, I truly enjoyed “Untold Stories” and Victor Gashnikov has created something lasting and worth taking the time to listen to. It was my pleasure and honor to review this album and I look forward to Victor’s next album which he currently working on. If you would like to know more about Victor and Untold Stories check these links out:
https://www.facebook.com/VictorGashnikovMusic/
https://twitter.com/vgashnikov/
https://www.youtube.com/user/victorgashnikov/
https://www.instagram.com/victorgashnikov/
https://soundcloud.com/victorgashnikovmusic/


Digital Stores
iTunes: http://apple.co/2mwjfFq
Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2oz2dTQ
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2nxWRKQ
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2ny8dhP
Bandcamp: http://bit.ly/2nNdov9