Overall Impression
 “Sails Up” reveals a different creative tide in shpakOO’s creative waters, one that turns away from the kinetic, jazz-tinged, progressive-electronica momentum of the previously reviewed “EFn’T” and instead drifts into deeper, contemplative currents. Where the earlier track leaned on animated movement and playful flourishes, “Sails Up” is defined by its arresting sense of atmosphere and patience. Ambient pads provide the tracks absorbing backdrop, while soft, introspective piano phrases emerge and recede with a level of grace that feels deeply intriguing. Melodic synth elements remain present, but they’re subdued and internalized here, serving the mood rather than driving it. The result is a soundscape that feels suspended in time—less about progression and more about immersion. 


Strongest Point(s)
What makes the track so deeply absorbing is its balance between beauty and unease. There’s a dreamlike quality to the melodic writing, but it’s threaded with an oddly eerie undertone that keeps the listener alert and emotionally engaged. ShpakOO isn’t afraid to flirt with harmonic tension, and those moments of dissonance feel deliberate and expressive rather than jarring. A standout example comes at 1:31, when the bass synth momentarily drops out of pitch, bending the harmonic floor beneath the listener before gently settling back into place. It’s a brief but powerful gesture, one that subtly destabilizes the atmosphere and adds emotional weight, like a passing doubt or shadow crossing an otherwise calm inner landscape. These contrasts—delicacy against disquiet—give “Sails Up” its hypnotic pull.


Taken as a whole, the track feels both bold and poignant. The performances are nuanced and restrained, the writing thoughtful without being overly literal, and the arrangement carefully sculpted to let textures do the storytelling. Every sound feels chosen for its emotional resonance rather than its ability to impress, allowing layers to breathe and interact naturally. “Sails Up” doesn’t rush to make its point; it invites the listener to linger, to feel, and to interpret. In doing so, shpakOO crafts an instrumental that is rich in atmosphere and meaning, one that quietly asserts itself as a deeply evocative piece of new-age inspired electronica.


Target Audience Appeal
Fans of atmospheric electronica and new-age styles will find this to be thoroughly absorbing.

BandCamp

Sails Up

Overall Impression
Composer/producer shpakOO takes listeners on a magical journey, with their release of “at times spirited”. Through three distinct movements, the artist navigates hybrid electronic soundscapes with nimble and expressive piano lines that convey deep emotions along with a childlike sense of wonder and amazement. Fans of contemporary cinematic instrumentals will appreciate the majestic drama and visceral intensity of shpakOO’s “at times spirited”, and can find it now available as a a single on all major streaming services.


Strongest Point(s)
Excellent production and a great sounding mix. Outstanding sound design and instrumentation, the electronic layers blend well with the piano. I really liked some of the digital glockenspiel tones you used. First movement has a very heavy, somber feeling that’s buoyed by the major-minor harmonic movement. Second movement is a bit livelier while still maintaining the minor theme, taking the form of a brisk, flowing waltz. The final movement seems to summarize a lot of the prior harmonic ideas and devices, and repackages them in a softer, more subdued context. This piece definitely has soundtrack potential, thanks to its emotional resonance and atmosphere. Very nice work, all around!


Target Audience Appeal
Fans of Classical, Contemporary Classical, Contemporary Instrumental, Soundtrack 

at times spirited

Overall Impression
“EFn’T” stands as a striking example of atmosphere-driven electronica done right—thoughtful, exploratory, and emotionally resonant. It doesn’t rush to make its point; it orbits it, trusting the listener to stay along for the voyage. For those willing to surrender to its slow-burn progression, the reward is a richly layered experience. From its opening moments, the piece establishes a deeply creative and marvelously enigmatic musical character, inviting the listener into a realm where ambient electronica, jazz-inflected expression, and progressive structure coexist in quiet, confident harmony. A sense of musical evolution is central to the track’s impact. “EFn’T” feels alive, as though it’s constantly reshaping itself in response to its own ideas. Emotions ebb and flow—wonder, calm, introspection, and quiet awe—without ever needing dramatic crescendos or overt hooks. The listener isn’t guided by a single melody so much as carried by a current of sound, discovering meaning in texture, tone, and atmosphere. All in all this is a wonderfully immersive instrumental, one that boasts deft writing and oodles of creativity.


Strongest Point(s)
The sound palette is rich and immersive. Shimmering, enveloping synth textures form a rich, enveloping backdrop, glowing rather than glaring. These electronic atmospheres are softened and humanized by jazz flute flourishes that glide in with an almost improvisational grace—never overstaying their welcome, always arriving like passing thoughts. Melody-laden piano progressions anchor the track emotionally, providing moments of clarity and warmth amid the abstraction. Together, these elements create a sonic environment that feels both expansive and intimate. Despite its 9:46 runtime, “EFn’T” never feels indulgent or static. Instead, it unfolds patiently, rewarding attentive listening with constant variation. The first half carries a more animated sense of movement—subtle rhythmic momentum, gently shifting motifs, and a feeling of forward propulsion that suggests exploration and curiosity. As the track progresses, it gradually exhales into a more subdued, contemplative second half. Here, the energy turns inward: textures thin slightly, spaces widen, and the music adopts a reflective tone that feels meditative rather than dormant. This transition is handled with remarkable finesse, allowing the piece to evolve naturally rather than dividing itself into obvious sections.


The recording and mix are also stellar, especially given the diversity of sonic elements at play. Every component is given its own space to breathe: the synths envelop without smothering, the flute cuts through with clarity and elegance, and the piano sits confidently at the center. ShpakOO’s balancing act ensures that nothing feels crowded or lost, reinforcing the track’s cohesion even as it explores multiple sonic identities.


Target Audience Appeal
Lovers of progressive electronica styles will find this to be a thoroughly worthwhile listening experience.

EFn'T

Come2Me

Still (Radio Edit)

shpakOO - 
by day - a scientist, 
by passion - a musician;

creates instrumental music;

child of the VERY early 80's;

grew up on and still listening to:
 
Jean-Michel Jarre, 
Marek Bilinski,
Vangelis,
Kitaro,
Mike Oldfield, 
Solar Fields, 
Aes Dana, 
Carbon-Based Life Forms,
Hybrid, 
Trentemøller,
Ulrich Schnauss,
Joe Hisaishi,
Danny Elfman, 
Vladimir Cosma …

shpakOO

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