Album Review: Ab Ovo by Stiletti-Ana – A Sonic Journey Through Time and Space
If you’ve ever wondered what it would sound like to float through a neon-lit dreamscape while being hugged by synthesizers, Stiletti-Ana’s Ab Ovo is your answer. Released in 2019 on Höga Nord Rekords (Sweden’s treasure trove of leftfield vibes), this album feels like a warm electronic embrace with just the right amount of weirdness sprinkled in. It’s tagged under genres like New Age, Ambient, Synthwave, and Leftfield—and honestly? That mix nails it.
Let’s talk about two tracks that stuck with me: “Horizon” and “Rauna.”
“Horizon” kicks things off, and holy moly, does it set the tone. Imagine waking up in a retro-futuristic utopia where everything glows faintly blue. The layers of synths—courtesy of gear-head heaven including a Moog Voyager and Roland Juno-60—are lush but not overwhelming. There’s this pulsing rhythm that feels like breathing, slow and steady, pulling you deeper into its universe. You don’t just listen to “Horizon”; you kinda live inside it for those four minutes. I remember thinking, "This track could soundtrack my entire life if I let it."
Then there’s “Rauna,” which hits different. This one has more texture, almost like a sonic painting. It starts soft, then builds into something bigger, grander—like watching clouds morph into shapes you can’t quite name. The percussion here is subtle yet punchy enough to keep you grounded, while the melodies drift around lazily, as if they’re lost in thought. Every time I hear it, I picture myself wandering through an endless forest at dusk, except the trees are made of light. Weird imagery? Sure. But so is the song, and that’s why it works.
What makes Ab Ovo stand out isn’t just the music—it’s how personal it feels. Stiletti-Ana didn’t just write or produce this album; she lived it. She played every instrument, recorded every note, mixed it all herself, and even added her own drum machine magic. And let’s not forget Toni Halonen’s artwork, which perfectly mirrors the vibe: dreamy, otherworldly, and slightly mysterious.
By the way, fun fact—the tracklist repeats some titles with slight variations (“Groundwater” vs. “Ground Water,” anyone?). At first, I thought it was a typo, but now I think it’s intentional. Like maybe Stiletti-Ana wanted us to notice how small changes can make something familiar feel new again. Or maybe she just likes messing with our heads. Either way, points for creativity.
So yeah, Ab Ovo is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. It doesn’t scream for attention; instead, it whispers, inviting you to lean closer. By the end, you realize you’ve been listening intently the whole time. If I had to sum it up in one sentence, I’d say it’s the kind of record that makes you want to stare out a rainy window and ponder existence—or at least pretend you’re in a sci-fi movie.
Oh, and here’s the unexpected part: after spinning this album nonstop, I started noticing birdsong outside my window sounded…ambient. Coincidence? Probably. But still, wild, right?
