Félicia Atkinson – Space as an Instrument

In the French Alps, where the silence between mountain peaks is almost palpable, Félicia Atkinson has crafted her most ambitious work to date. With “Space as an Instrument,” the experimental artist delivers an album that reinforces her reputation as a master of sonic spatiality. Here, space is not just a metaphor but an actual instrument. Atkinson, who has long been established in the experimental music world, is known for her ability to weave sound and silence into a mesmerizing whole. This approach reaches new heights on her latest album.

The opening track, “The Healing,” immediately sets the tone: this is music that both demands and offers room to breathe. Slow, meditative sounds create a healing atmosphere, inviting the listener to close their eyes and surrender to the musical experience unfolding before them. Not in the best mood? Then perhaps save this album for another time.

While “The Healing” is relatively accessible, “This Was Her Reply” reveals Atkinson’s more challenging side. Like a poet planting words in your consciousness, the music and sound penetrate beneath the skin. It’s not always a comfortable experience, but it intrigues me deeply. Atkinson’s use of expectation and alienation demonstrates her refined understanding of tension and release. A particular highlight is “La Pluie,” where a piano resonates in a vast space, surrounded by commanding strings. Atkinson’s mastery of spatial composition is on full display here, with a whispering voice that repeatedly murmurs “Je suis avec toi,” lodging itself lovingly in the mind—a reassuring presence on an album that can at times overwhelm with its experimental nature.

The production is, as expected from Atkinson, flawless. Each sound occupies its place in the sonic spectrum, where the space between sounds is as significant as the sounds themselves. This isn’t music that can be relegated to the background; it demands your full attention and rewards it generously. It’s fascinating to witness how Atkinson builds on her earlier work, from her beginnings with “Stretchandrelax” to her solo albums like “Je Suis le Petit Chevalier.” Her experience as a visual artist and writer shines through in her soundscapes, which are layered, thoughtful, and filled with hidden details that only reveal themselves after multiple listens.

“Space as an Instrument” is an album that defies easy description. It’s experimental in the best sense: innovative without being inaccessible, challenging without descending into pretentiousness. The more you listen, the more layers unfold, drawing you deeper into Atkinson’s bold and authentic musical world. The high rating of 8 out of 10 reflects the enchanting way Atkinson transforms space into music. This is an album that continues to fascinate, refusing to be tamed by conventional expectations and offering new secrets with each listen. It may not be for everyone, but for those willing to surrender, an extraordinary experience awaits. (Elodie Renard) (8/10) (Shelter Press)