YANA : Daydreamer Review

by Shannon Smith

YANA, the musical persona of Joanna Bieńkowska, emerges as one of Poland’s most intriguing neo classical artists with her second album, Daydreamer. Building on her background as an instrumentalist and composer trained at the Academy of Music in Gdańsk, YANA draws from a rich palette of classical instruments—piano, strings, and electronics—to create works that resonate with emotional depth and cinematic grandeur. Daydreamer presents a larger ensemble than her debut album, Solace, where minimalist piano pieces were interwoven with electronic textures and meditative dialogues. In Daydreamer, YANA explores a journey of the human psyche from darkness to emotional renewal, inviting listeners into a deeply personal and transformative experience. This album is YANA, offering nine tracks to her audience that encourage them to traverse these emotional landscapes alongside her.

Daydreamer is an album built on the premise of transformation. It maps a path through the complexities of human emotion, beginning with introspective, melancholic tones and gradually emerging into light, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose. Tracks like “Now It Begins” embody the theme of anxiety and reflection, while later pieces such as “Ikigai” symbolize personal awakening, inspired by the Japanese concept of finding one’s purpose. The interplay of darkness and light is a recurring motif, with the album capturing these moments within the development of each track and the overall flow of the album as a whole. YANA’s narrative is one of emotional honesty, evoking a shared sense of vulnerability and resilience.

YANA’s signature approach of blending classical and electronic elements is subtle in Daydreamer. The songs are richly textured, featuring the interplay between the piano and string quartet, with subtle electronic elements providing an ethereal undertone. The careful layering of acoustic instruments with electronic timbres creates a dreamlike atmosphere, often blurring the line between organic and synthetic. Tracks like “Spring” showcase an intricate arrangement of strings that build upon a simple, lyrical piano theme, adding textures and momentum. The use of prepared piano and analog synthesizers—such as her beloved Korg Polysix—enhances the depth of the compositions, giving them a distinctive, multi-layered quality. YANA’s choice of recording spaces also contributes significantly to the album’s soundscape; the iconic Polish Radio Studio S4 lends a particular resonance and history to the string recordings, enriching the acoustic texture.

“Now It Begins” opens the album with a mesmerizing ostinato figure that serves as the foundation for evolving strings and piano layers, setting a contemplative mood. “Ikigai” represents a pivotal moment of brightness, with its swirling arpeggios and delicate harmonics, creating a feeling of optimism. “Spring” is another highlight, featuring a compelling build-up of string layers and a lyrical piano line that evokes a sense of renewal, aptly capturing the essence of the season. “Tender” stands out as a gentle waltz, with its pizzicato strings and romantic string quartet passages, providing a warm, intimate moment within the broader emotional journey of the album.

YANA’s technical skill as a composer and pianist is evident throughout Daydreamer. The string quartet, consisting of Karolina Gutowska (Violin I), Michalina Czajka (Violin II), Anna Prusińska (Viola), and Maria Szagżdowicz (Cello), recorded with precision at Studio S4, offers a lush, full-bodied sound that complements YANA’s piano playing. Her approach to piano phrasing is deliberate and expressive, using dynamics to shape each piece’s emotional contour. The prepared piano parts introduce unique textures, blending seamlessly with the string arrangements to create percussive effects that add rhythmic interest. The string quartet’s orchestration offers a lush, full-bodied sound that complements the development of each selection. The electronic elements, though subtle, are used with great care to enhance the emotional atmosphere without overwhelming the acoustic instrumentation. YANA’s ability to balance these elements speaks to her maturity as a composer and arranger.

Emotionally, Daydreamer is a powerful exploration of the human condition. It captures the ebb and flow of feelings—from the depths of introspection in “From The Darkness” to the lightness and joy found in “Ikigai” and “Spring.” The album’s progression mirrors a journey of emotional recovery, offering listeners a sense of catharsis. Culturally, YANA’s Polish heritage and classical training are evident in her composition approach, emphasizing melodic development and structural clarity. The influence of her experiences—such as performing at Męskie Granie and collaborating with Berlin’s Magnificent Matter collective—also brings a cross-genre sensibility to her work, blending classical precision with an ambient, almost cinematic soundscape.

Daydreamer is brought to life by her ability to craft music that transcends traditional genre boundaries. The album’s blend of classical instruments, electronic textures, and carefully constructed arrangements makes it a compelling listen for fans of neo classical music and beyond. YANA’s journey through darkness and light will resonate with listeners who have experienced similar emotional landscapes. The production quality, nuanced performances, and cohesive narrative all make Daydreamer stand out in the neo-classical crossover genre. YANA sincerely invites us into her sound world, so sit back and relax and become a Daydreamer, too.