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Surprise Stopover by Ratyński

  • Writer: Arashk Azizi
    Arashk Azizi
  • Sep 23
  • 2 min read

Wind moving across a golden wheat field, plants swaying in rhythm with the breeze, that’s the image that came to mind when I first heard the guitar arpeggios of Ratyński’s Surprise Stopover. The guitar is once again at the center of his music, not just as an instrument, but as a narrator guiding us through shifting landscapes.
Surprise Stopover by Ratyński

Wind moving across a golden wheat field, plants swaying in rhythm with the breeze, that’s the image that came to mind when I first heard the guitar arpeggios of Ratyński’s Surprise Stopover. The guitar is once again at the center of his music, not just as an instrument, but as a narrator guiding us through shifting landscapes.


As always with Ratyński, this is not simple background music. His experimental instincts are present throughout, sudden shifts in rhythm, key, and mood, but despite the changes, the flow never feels disrupted. What ties it all together is his control of phrasing and modulation. He doesn’t rely on virtuosic display through speed or flashy scales; instead, his mastery lies in shaping melodic lines, handling arpeggios with precision, and weaving modulations so seamlessly that the music remains cohesive even in its unpredictability.


The EP opens with “Your Screen is Cracked”, built around a bass-driven melodic pattern that expands into a kaleidoscope of textures: harmonics, trills, and arpeggios. This experimental track sets the stage, preparing the listener’s ear for the restless curiosity that runs through the entire album.


With “The Rising,” Ratyński introduces rhythmic play at its finest. Constant shifts between meters, moving from 5 to 6 to 8 beats and beyond, create both groove and surprise. The effect is reminiscent of Stravinsky’s rhythmic language, yet filtered through the delicate voice of a guitar. Despite its complexity, it feels natural, inviting, and almost songlike.


“Firestarter” takes the EP into darker territory. Its fragmented textures, interrupted melodic gestures, and harmonic hesitation give the sense of unresolved tension. The music pushes forward yet seems to hold back, creating a feeling of instability. Only in the final third does a fuller, more grounded melody emerge, offering the resolution the listener has been anticipating.


The closing track, “The Rising (Reprise),” serves as a reflective counterweight. Here the music is smoother and more classically inflected, almost like a farewell. There are still harmonic surprises, but they are softened within a steady flow. The piece gradually settles, the guitar fading into silence, leaving behind a sense of calm after the album’s many turns.


Surprise Stopover is a remarkable exploration of perspective, balancing experimentation with cohesion. By blending the discipline of classical guitar with elements of folk, world music, and post-rock, Ratyński crafts a narrative that feels both contemporary and timeless. It’s music that asks the listener to pause, reflect, and reconsider how sound itself can tell stories without words.
Ratyński

Surprise Stopover is a remarkable exploration of perspective, balancing experimentation with cohesion. By blending the discipline of classical guitar with elements of folk, world music, and post-rock, Ratyński crafts a narrative that feels both contemporary and timeless. It’s music that asks the listener to pause, reflect, and reconsider how sound itself can tell stories without words.




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