Album Review: Akitsun by Whiteandspace
Released in 2015, Akitsun by Whiteandspace is a fascinating blend of Electronic and Hip Hop genres, with strong undertones of Instrumental and Ambient styles. Hailing from Russia, this self-released project via Not On Label captures an ethereal soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive. While the album doesn’t follow traditional structures, its experimental nature makes it a standout piece for listeners who appreciate subtlety over bombast.
The tracklist includes seven compositions, all titled numerically as "Akitsun X," which gives the impression of chapters in a sonic story rather than standalone songs. Among these, two tracks particularly stuck with me—Akitsun 4 and Akitsun 7.
Akitsun 4 unfolds like a dream you don’t want to wake up from. The beat is understated but persistent, layered beneath a haze of ambient synths that seem to shimmer and dissolve into thin air. It’s not trying too hard to grab your attention, yet it pulls you in effortlessly. The way the melody drifts reminds me of staring out a train window on a rainy day—calm, reflective, and oddly comforting. You can almost feel the chill of the Russian winter seeping through the headphones.
On the other hand, Akitsun 7 takes things up a notch with a more pronounced rhythm section. There’s a hypnotic quality to the percussion here, almost tribal in its simplicity, while still maintaining that signature ambient vibe. What sets this track apart is how it builds tension without ever fully releasing it—a technique that keeps you hooked, waiting for something that never quite arrives. It’s frustratingly beautiful, if that makes sense.
The sequencing of the album mirrors its minimalist aesthetic; there’s no clutter or unnecessary embellishment. Each track flows seamlessly into the next, creating a cohesive listening experience. However, some might find the lack of lyrical content or vocal elements leaves the album feeling slightly detached. That said, fans of instrumental music will likely see this as one of its strengths rather than a flaw.
It’s worth noting that Akitsun isn’t for everyone. If you’re someone who prefers high-energy bangers or catchy hooks, this might not be your cup of tea. But if you enjoy music that invites introspection and rewards patience, then Whiteandspace has crafted something truly special here.
In hindsight, what strikes me most about Akitsun is how unapologetically itself it is. In an era where so much music feels engineered for mass appeal, this album dares to exist on its own terms. And honestly? That’s kinda refreshing. Funny enough, I found myself humming parts of Akitsun 4 days later, even though I couldn’t quite recall what they sounded like at first. Maybe that’s the magic of good ambient music—it lingers, quietly haunting your mind long after the headphones come off.
