Hungary’s Bernadett has a family tree teeming with music. Her grandpa Jozsef Suha enjoyed popular and critical acclaim as a violinist for several years before disagreements with the Communist authorities of the time wrecked his career. He’s since enjoyed a robust revival and has a place of honor now in the country’s musical history. His granddaughter first started playing violin at 6 years old, but it wasn’t until a European concert tour in very early adolescence when Bernadett decided playing music should be the path she pursues.
It has led her to this moment. A single song, “Redemption”, may seem to be a paltry offering at first glance but even a single listen shows Bernadett packing much more into one track than a lot of artists deliver over longer works. She realized years ago that recording and performing classical instrumentals, however much she loved it, has limited modern audience appeal. She began incorporating pop music into her act much more than ever before applying classical influences and blending its principles. It has a startling effect.
The track has a dramatic upswing that never rushes listeners and, instead, prioritizes earning our trust. This is a warm and near cinematic experience for Bernadett’s audience and hearing its gentle take-off when the drums come in makes for invigorating listening. There’s no edge in this music, however; it isn’t what Bernadett is aiming for with this release. There are some listeners who will wish the song burned a little more passionately.
The production and arranging define each component of the song with clarity. It never sounds dry or brittle. The aural attributes of these songs, instead, radiate warmth without ever overwhelming listeners with saccharine dramatics. She keeps the song at a manageable length as well and the superior construction skills both songs exhibit makes the listening experience more pleasurable. You can’t always say that about encountering new music.
The smattering of sound effects before segueing into the song is a nice touch. The sleek transition into the track shows off one of its overall stronger points – there’s certainty of purpose and a confident stride heard throughout this track. The glittering instrumental accompaniment backing Bernadett never risks repetition or tests your patience. Many listeners will find the central melody to be much stronger and more memorable than its predecessor though it isn’t intended as a slight to say so.
Yes, it’s brief, anyone who likes or loves it will pine for more, but Bernadett’s Redemption should end 2022 as one of the year’s underrated jewels. There’s an accumulating sense of confidence you can hear coming from this track and, despite its commercial concessions, there’s never any feeling of the artist sacrificing her integrity or dumbing down her talents to make the release work for audiences. Few will doubt that it works for her as well. This young Hungarian musician is well on her way towards achieving global recognition. Following her from this point forward is a trip well worth taking as the sights and, definitely, the sounds will be spectacular.
Claire Uebelacker