Dear listeners and readers of Soundville,

I want to share with you the new release ‘Eyes Like Torches at the Gate’ by the brilliant composer and guitarist Paweł Ratyński. His new release contains two pieces, united by one concept and idea, yet completely unique in form and structure. When you listen to Paweł Ratyński’s original music, it feels like he is rediscovering the sound of the classical guitar, blending styles that seem impossible to combine. Your ear catches onto this right away, and then comes the realization that images begin forming in your mind and curiosity turns into inspiration. That’s what happens to me every time I hear “Eyes Like Torches at the Gate”.

In ‘Eyes Like Torches at the Gate’, Ratyński presents two pieces, each in its own way unfolding the concept of the relentless flow of life, changes of home, circumstances, and love. The journey, the connection with the world and others, even the influence of political shifts, all of it finds expression in ‘Eyes Like Torches at the Gate’. I love how ‘Eyes Like Torches at the Gate (Part One)’ begins with a steady, swaying tango that gives a sense of balance, like a metaphor for a calm and measured life. But I assure you, by the middle of the track, after Ratyński’s poetic sigh, the melody takes on a more energetic tone along with the political shifts. The shortened measures create a sense of whirlwind, of breath knocked out, and I can’t help but compare it to those moments in life when everything seems to spiral into the abyss and you lose control.

In the piece ‘Eyes Like Torches at the Gate (Part Two)’, the melody shifts, the harmonies become more poetic, reflective, more classical. The high notes blend with the lower octaves, giving the piece a sense of movement and the feeling of a real storm that, however, never turns into a hurricane. Ratyński uses a quasi-Celtic and somewhat epic motif here, and I hear beautiful medieval patterns, though there’s also something in the air that hints at rock. Thanks to Ratyński’s incredible technique, each of the two pieces breathes, and the energy flows like swirls of stardust. As Ratyński himself said, “What if we ourselves are the goal of the journey? Or maybe we see it when we look into the other person’s eyes?” And I have to admit, that made me think. It’s a genuinely meaningful and poetic idea, and for me, it came to life in the sound of ‘Eyes Like Torches at the Gate (Part Two)’, leaving behind a feeling of peace and hope for the future. Maybe it won’t look like it does in our dreams, but without a doubt, it’ll be the best one.

Hey Paweł Ratyński! Thank you for releasing such wonderful pieces. I’ll be honest, every time, I rediscover the sound of the classical guitar from a new angle. I’m genuinely amazed at how poetic, multifaceted, and profoundly deep your music sounds. There’s so much lightness in the shimmer of the strings that it makes you want to let go of everything and just enjoy the music with a clear heart and mind. Flawless and truly unique. Love it. I’m your fan!

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With much love,
Soundville