Ian Rae gives a master class in restraint, serenity and emotional subtlety with “In My Dreams” track. Ever known for his evocative and cinematic piano compositions, Rae takes listeners into another sonic world so personal yet so universally beautiful. This most recent release is yet another entry in this legacy of his in crafting music that discerningly doesn’t require attention—where it quietly nets attention.
Starting in a gentle, melodic intro, “In My Dreams” sets this mood from the onset. The piano is gentle and reflective thus preparing the listener for an emotional trip rather than pure listening. Rae’s touch is gentle but deliberate in it’s that it makes room for each note to be a whisper of a confession.
As the song develops layers of ambient textures and almost non-noticeable string arrangements appear balancing the elements of the song without drowning the song in them. There’s a big-screen quality to this soundscape – vast and yet there – where the listener can stop, breathe, and just be. It’s the type of track that goes hand in hand with sitting quietly in the morning or the quiet before bedtime: letting you fall between thought and feeling.
Where other compositions bloat to create effect, “In My Dreams” creeps its truth. It’s quiet without being lazy, it’s expressive without being obnoxious. Rae’s artistry is found in the facility with which he ejaculates depth through virtue of simplicity –each note a tender push towards reflection, healing, and cool.
Whether you need a soundtrack for your contemplation or something for those calm little hours, or a bit of a musical breath of fresh air, Ian Rae’s “In My Dreams” provides a special kind of peace–one that you can come back to for peace over and over again.
