STILLIFE

Well, friends, we've finally lived to see another proper studio album from the Rostov-based wizards Stillife. A genuinely original album (which can't be said about the compilation "Memories"). What was especially important to me was that the album was promised to be oriented toward the synth-pop "Remembrance," which is a masterpiece. Unfortunately, being oriented toward a masterpiece implies comparison with it... And so, as regrettable as it is to say, the new album is completely outclassed by its predecessor in virtually every regard — from the vividness of expressed sorrow to the emotionality of the vocals. Additionally, the violin motifs don't evoke the same sense of rapture comparable to previous impressions from "Remembrance." It might seem like everything is bad. But not so fast! Losing to a masterpiece by no means implies that the loser is poor. Far from it. "Destiny" is a perfectly respectable album with the appropriate atmosphere and quite memorable compositions, among which I'd highlight "Living for You," "Broken TIME MACHINE," and the title track. I'm a bit envious of those for whom this will be their first Stillife album. As for me, I'll still revisit "Destiny" from time to time, though not as often as "Remembrance." Recommended to all lovers of calm and beautiful music.