First Impressions

This Wasn’t What I Had In Mind by The Sanctity Of Crows merges cinematic post-rock with progressive dynamics, unfolding intricate layers of guitars, keyboards, and percussion.

Crafted by Ian A Napier’s AI-free production, the track evolves through contrasting phases, delivering a beautifully immersive, textured soundscape inviting introspection and expansive emotional depth.

Composition

Structure & Arrangement

This Wasn’t What I Had in Mind is built around an evolving instrumental framework, characteristic of cinematic post-rock and progressive rock.

The track contains a multi-part structure that gradually unfolds, inviting the listener on a dynamic whistlestop journey.

This Wasn’t What I had in Mind incorporates introspective passages juxtaposed with more expansive, climactic moments and it is precisely this ebb and flow of the music that leads me to conclude it’s more of a seascape than a soundscape.

Instrumentation & Themes – This Wasn’t What I Had In Mind

This Wasn’t What I had in Mind opens with a looping synth effect married with symbols which build anticipation of the the rich finger licking sumptuous sound that is to follow as main course.

Moreover this quickly transitions into a rhythmic electric guitar, percussion and some funky synth audio licks that introduce the bedrock of the track before introducing a driving guitar baseline.

The interplay between these elements creates a textured soundscape and along with the title hints at an unexpected twist or an introspective narrative conveyed purely through instrumental progression rather than conventional lyrics.

When I listen to this track I can’t help but feel hopeful and energised.

At about 50 seconds a recurring guitar led melody that appears throughout the track is introduced which inspires hope and conjours the image of a solo guitarist, silhouetted on a hillside breathing life into the next phase of the track.

This motivic development themes the track and ties the piece together beautifully.

The Sanctity of Crows are adept at harnessing this complex technique, where a simple melodic idea is developed and transformed over the course of the track, offering both cohesion and evolution in the listening experience.

I especially appreciate how The Sanctity of Crows uses unique little audio licks, drums, and layered guitars as well as curated synth sounds to craft a soundscape that is oozing with skill, creativity and natural ability and ends far to soon. Time to hit that repeat button again.

Production – This Wasn’t What I Had In Mind

Production Approach

The Sanctity Of Crows is known for its emphasis on an organic, “100% AI-free” production ethos, with all aspects—composition, performance, programming, and production.

This dictates a very hands on approach, where each sound is carefully crafted, often blending both analogue warmth and digital precision.

Layering and Texture

The production focuses on rich layering. Multiple guitar tracks, ambient keyboard washes, and detailed percussion work contribute to a lush, immersive sound.

This layered approach produces a cinematic feel, making the piece suitable for both focused listening and background soundscapes.

Dynamic Range and Mixing

In works that lean towards progressive and post-rock music, there’s typically a strong dynamic range which This Wasn’t What I Had In Mind delivers to perfection.

Quiet moments build tension before erupting into fuller, more intense passages. The production mixing pays careful attention to balancing these elements, ensuring that no single instrument overwhelms the texture while still allowing the distinct character of each to shine through.

Effects and Atmosphere

The use of reverb and a subtle analogue feeling to the recording, as well as possibly a hint of modulation effects contributes to an expansive atmosphere.

These production choices help to create a sense of space and movement, which is essential for music that aims to evoke emotional or narrative landscapes without words.

Final Opinion – This Wasn’t What I Had In Mind

In summary, This Wasn’t What I Had In Mind exemplifies The Sanctity Of Crows’ commitment to crafting immersive instrumental music with intricate compositions that deliver psychogenic shivers in the listener (that tingling feeling you get when exposed to rewarding stimuli).

The layered arrangements, considered dynamic shaping, and immersive effects work together to create a piece that is both contemplative and grand in scope, which if not what they had in mind when it was composed is utterly immersive and engaging.

Connect

Please support The Sanctity of Crows by listening to This Wasn’t What I Had In Mind and their other music online.

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I’ve also added it to my 1000 Rising Stars Spotify playlist which you can view below 

Footnote

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