Album Review: "Yes Just Only Tommorow" by Adam Mankowski
Released in 2010 under the Polish label Larch Records, Adam Mankowski’s Yes Just Only Tommorow is an intriguing dive into experimental electronic music with a strong ambient undertone. Hailing from Poland, Mankowski crafts soundscapes that feel both alien and deeply personal, pulling listeners into a world where time seems to stretch and fold back on itself. The album doesn’t just play; it unfolds like a sonic labyrinth, demanding attention without ever feeling intrusive.
Two tracks stand out as particularly memorable. First, there’s “Loss Of Cognitive Abilities,” which opens the album with haunting synth pads layered over glitchy textures. It’s not your typical beat-driven electronic piece—it drifts, almost aimlessly, yet every note feels intentional. You can practically hear the disintegration of thought processes in its fragmented structure. There’s something unsettling about how familiar it feels, like staring at a mirror that reflects only parts of yourself. This track sticks because it captures the essence of confusion without words, letting the listener fill in the blanks emotionally.
Then comes “Recurring Feelings,” a more subdued but equally captivating composition. Its cyclical motifs mimic the push-and-pull of emotions we try to shake off but can’t quite escape. The way Mankowski manipulates tones here reminds me of old memories surfacing reluctantly, tinged with nostalgia and maybe even regret. It’s one of those tracks you don’t just listen to—you live through it for a while. When it ends, you’re left wondering if what you felt was real or imagined.
Mankowski’s ability to blend experimental techniques with accessible ambient elements makes this album worth revisiting. Tracks like “Importance Of Large And Small” and “Worthless Search For Meaning” further explore themes of existential pondering, though they lack the immediate impact of the standout songs mentioned above. Still, the cohesion across the album ensures no track feels out of place.
What strikes most about Yes Just Only Tommorow is its refusal to conform. While some might find its abstract nature challenging, others will appreciate the space it leaves for interpretation. It’s not background music—it demands engagement, much like a painting that changes depending on how long you stare at it.
In a way, listening to this album feels like eavesdropping on someone else’s dream. It’s messy, beautiful, and slightly unnerving all at once. And honestly? That last track title—"Worthless Search For Meaning"—kinda sums up life sometimes, doesn’t it? Funny how music can do that.
Rating: 8/10
Recommended for fans of introspective electronica who aren’t afraid to sit in silence afterward.