Ratyński's Snug as a Gun is a sentimental overflow of emotions poured onto a classical guitar. This short instrumental EP consists of two pieces: the main theme in the second track, “Snug as a Gun,” and a prologue that sets the stage, aptly named “One Minute Dance.”
The performance and composition are remarkable. The music feels free yet controlled, as if Ratyński has improvised the pieces, giving them an unbound spirit. And yet, there is an inherent discipline in the structure; every phrase develops purposefully, every note seems intentional.
The first piece, “One Minute Dance,” functions as an introduction, a charming miniature that draws from early music and jazz. It plays out as an emotional waltz, lifting us momentarily before going to a steadier four-beat rhythm. This piece prepares the listener for the weight and depth of what follows. It warms up our ears and sensibilities for the main theme, easing us into the contrasting world of the title track.
Then, the second piece begins: “Snug as a Gun.” This track is structurally divided into two sections. The opening theme is immediately captivating, built on a catchy motif reminiscent of the iconic intro of Billie Jean by Michael Jackson—a major second ascending, followed by a pause, and then a minor second descending. Whether this similarity is intentional or coincidental, the result is mesmerizing. The familiarity of a pop-inspired theme is transformed through a contemporary harmonic landscape. Where Billie Jean’s synth pattern is rigid and quantized, Ratyński's theme is wild, human, and expressive. This contrast between freedom and structure creates a profound emotional impact.
Halfway through the piece, the harmonic progression becomes chromatic and harsh, leading to a momentary pause before transitioning into the second section. The guitar returns with a melodic passage, slowly developing back into the primary motif. As the piece fades away, the recurring theme lingers sounding like an ostinato that will never truly end, continuing to evolve and exist beyond the recording.
Snug as a Gun is music that stands firmly on the ground, a rare feat in contemporary instrumental music. It balances abstraction and concreteness, achieved through the lowered guitar sound, the marching rhythm, and the rolling chord progressions. Even the moments of dissonance at the climax remain approachable, making the theme both memorable and hum-worthy. It is the kind of music meant to accompany life’s significant moments, offering support through its universal language.
Ratyński himself states:
“I believe in the role of music, that it builds our image of the world in a more universal and lasting way than words.”
The title, referencing Nobel Prize-winning Irish poet Seamus Heaney, carries an additional layer of meaning. Just as writing requires precise tools, music, too, must be "snug as a gun." If one listens carefully, music can be a weapon, a force of transformation.
#SnugAsAGun #Ratyński #ClassicalGuitar #InstrumentalMusic #ContemporaryMusic #MusicReview #GuitarMusic #ModernComposition #EmotionalMusic #CinematicSound #MusicLovers #IndieMusic #ExperimentalMusic #Guitarist #JazzInfluence #SeamusHeaney #MusicalBrutalism #ArtisticExpression #MelodicJourney #MusicForLife
Comments