It Took Me So Long, the debut collaboration between Ana Ćurčin and Marko Nastić, takes listeners on a cathartic sonic journey through textured electronica, downtempo, expertly crafted rhythmic patterns, and cinematic ambient soundscapes. This album from Belgrade-based duo Amnasti flawlessly blends ethereal vocals, lush synth work, and finely layered beats, pulling listeners into a tranquil sonic universe. Inspired by influences from the eighties, nineties, and early noughties electronic music, It Took Me So Long is simultaneously nostalgic and uniquely modern, balancing subtlety with intensity across its eight tracks.
Ana Ćurčin’s vocal performance is a central pillar of the album, infusing each song with depth and vulnerability. Her voice glides effortlessly across the music, delicate yet unwavering, creating a contrast between human warmth and electronic coolness. There’s an emotive sincerity in her tone as she explores themes of love, solitude, family, and the passage of time, which makes the album feel deeply personal. Her vocals act as an anchor, grounding the lush, sometimes otherworldly soundscapes and adding a layer of intimacy to the project. Like the work of artists such as Beth Gibbons from Portishead or Lisa Gerrard from Dead Can Dance, Ćurčin’s voice is hauntingly soulful, and it lingers in the mind long after the music fades. The production is rich and layered, a sheer example of Marko Nastić and keyboardist Denis Beganović’s collaborative genius. The synths on the album are simply exquisite, enveloping each track in shimmering, spacious soundscapes while the music feels vast and atmospheric, yet there’s a sense of precision in how each sound is placed. The synth work ranges from hypnotic, swirling sequences to softer, melodic leads, each adding a new texture to the album’s immersive world. This variety of tones and effects provides a cinematic quality to the music, making it feel like a soundtrack to an introspective film. Their sound transcends traditional electronica, pulling influences from ambient, house, synthwave, synth pop, and downtempo, but delivering completely fresh, unique, innovative, and versatile sonic imagery that will satisfy even the pickiest music enthusiasts.
The rhythmic sequences are another highlight, delicately propelling each track forward without ever overpowering the softer, ambient textures. Nastić’s rhythmic foundation is intricate and restrained, providing enough drive to keep the music moving while maintaining a relaxed, almost meditative quality. His use of subdued house beats and downtempo grooves gives the album a subtle pulse, allowing the listener to sink into the music’s relaxing vibe without losing a sense of forward momentum. The drum work is understated yet masterful, offering a gentle backbone that ties together the shimmering synths and emotive vocals. The low ends are so deep, resonant, and impeccably balanced, providing a sense of grounding that complements the airy synths and vocals. It’s a presence that feels essential, like a heartbeat beneath the atmospheric layers. Whether it’s a soft, steady pulse or a more complex pattern, the bass weaves in and out of the music with a quiet elegance that enhances the album’s depth. This intricacy of the basslines ties the album together beautifully, subtly driving the tracks forward while adding richness and clarity to the prevalent sound. It Took Me So Long has a dreamy, almost otherworldly feel throughout, with each track offering a sense of calm and introspection. Yet within this calm lies an undercurrent of tension, a subtle grittiness that keeps the music from feeling too polished or detached. The album is soothing and meditative, but it’s also complex and layered, inviting listeners to explore those textures and moods. The soundscapes here aren’t just pretty backgrounds, they’re immersive worlds of sound that envelop the listener, each carrying a unique emotional tone while the blend of ambient and downtempo elements gives the album a cohesive feel, making it easy to get lost in its atmosphere.
The inclusion of renowned keyboardist Vasil Hadžimanov adds a touch of mystery and mastery to the album. Hadžimanov’s contributions bring a jazz-inflected sophistication to the music, adding a layer of depth and elegance. The piano lines are haunting and soulful, blending flawlessly with the electronic textures. It’s a moment of sonic diversity that perfectly fits within the album’s broader aesthetic, demonstrating Amnasti’s openness to experimentation and collaboration. Each collaboration on the album brings something special, subtly enhancing the core sound without disrupting the album’s flow. While It Took Me So Long is undeniably serene and relaxing, it also carries a weightiness that’s hard to ignore. The album captures a sense of longing and introspection that’s woven into every beat, every synth line, and every vocal note. The sonic textures evoke a feeling of solitude, as though the music is a safe space for contemplation. It’s an album that seems to speak to the quiet moments in life, the pauses, the reflections, the things left unsaid. This emotional resonance gives the album a timeless quality, as it feels relevant to anyone who has ever felt a moment of introspection or needed a soundtrack to process life’s complexities. The album art and design, crafted by Mihael Milunović and Bratislav Milenković, complements the music beautifully. This fine piece of visual artistry captures the album’s essence, visually expressing its blend of calm and complexity. It adds a layer of visual storytelling to the album, framing the music as something to be experienced holistically. Just as the music draws from electronic and ambient traditions while remaining deeply personal, the album art brings a sense of cohesion that completes the aesthetic experience.
It Took Me So Long is a remarkable debut by Amnasti, showcasing Ana Ćurčin and Marko Nastić’s tremendous ability to blend diverse influences into a unified, deeply evocative work. This album goes beyond the boundaries of traditional electronica, inviting listeners into a cinematic, ambient world filled with emotional honesty and musical sophistication. It’s a record that feels ethereal and grounded, meditative yet impactful, balancing calmness with a quiet power that makes it so unforgettable. You should immediately check it out. Head to Pop Depresija or PDV Records for more information about ordering.
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