The previous joint release between Auris Media and Tophet Prophet (Grundik+Slava’s Frogs) was a terrific electro-acoustic journey, so naturally we had our hopes high for this new one. On the other hand, the previous Igor Krutogolov solo efforts that we reviewed (Muzika Electronica and Wardrobe) were far from perfect. A few live solo sets by the man also left the impression of him being unstable and unfocused in his musical deliverance.

As was the case on the aforementioned releases (and opposed to the high-adrenaline output with his instrumental band Kruzenshtern & Parohod), this release focuses on ambient music. This time, however, Krutogolov is much clearer in his vision and its flow; he takes the time to draw the listener deeper and deeper into an almost sterile, restrained setting, with sonic layers of strings, flute, keyboards, bowed bass, chimes, rain and other environmental recordings leading fluently unto other sonic layers. Everything evolves patiently, with timbres of sounds gradually developing into majestic semi-melodic lines — a modern, minimalist symphony.

The visual production enhances the material with realism and authenticity, making White sounds purely divine (a quality that even the redundant, nearly empty thirty minutes or so at the end of the 77 minutes long voyage cannot detract from). (8/10)