Daneshevskaya’s ‘Long Is The Tunnel’ – A Poetic Journey of Self-Discovery and Emotion

Review By Halina

Daneshevskaya, the musical project of Anna Beckerman, presents ‘Long Is The Tunnel,’ an introspective and emotionally charged album set to be released on November 10, 2023, via Winspear. Beckerman’s music draws deeply from her personal history and the rich tapestry of her experiences, resulting in an album that weaves a spellbinding narrative through time and emotion.

‘Long Is The Tunnel’ is a testament to Beckerman’s ability to craft songs that transcend the boundaries of time, resonating with the listener on a profoundly personal level. Beckerman’s upbringing in a musical family, where her father was a music professor and her mother studied opera, instilled in her a deep love for music and a passion for connecting with people through her art. The album’s lyrics feel almost spiritual, like hymns that archive Beckerman’s past, present, and future, devoid of religious connotations but rich with the essence of her own life.

The album explores how the people we meet shape the pathways we traverse in life, reflecting Beckerman’s lifelong connection to New York City and her Russian-Jewish great-grandmother. Despite never crossing paths with her great-grandmother in reality, Beckerman’s music serves as a bridge between generations, a way of connecting with her ancestral roots. The songs also pay tribute to her grandparents, who passed away during the album’s creation, making ‘Long Is The Tunnel’ a poignant exploration of the people and experiences that shape us.

Beckerman’s career as a social worker for preschool children in Brooklyn informs her music, infusing it with the child-like purity and high-stakes emotions of youth. The album delves into the complexities of saying goodbye, a mysterious aspect of life that Beckerman finds endlessly fascinating. Written over several years, the seven songs on the album read like a patchwork of memories, diary entries, and elegies dedicated to the individuals who have touched her life.

Co-produced by Ruben Radlauer of Model/Actriz, Hayden Ticehurst, and Artur Szerejko, ‘Long Is The Tunnel’ benefits from additional contributions by Lewis Evans of Black Country, New Road (saxophone), Maddy Leshner (keys), and Finnegan Shanahan (violin). The instrumentation gleams with a radiance that creates distinct and immersive soundscapes within each song.

Beckerman’s poetic background is evident in her lyrics, which often take inspiration from her love of poetry and classical structures. The album features metaphors that are simultaneously otherworldly and grounding, immersing the listener in a realm of escapism and vivid imagery. Themes of love, independence, and self-discovery emerge through the somber melancholy of Beckerman’s love songs, portraying a deep yearning for healthy relationships based on independence and shared life experiences.

‘Long Is The Tunnel’ is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged album that immerses the listener in a world of poetic lyricism and enchanting soundscapes. It’s a testament to the power of music to connect the past, present, and future and to explore the depths of the human experience. Beckerman’s artistry is an invitation to join her on a journey of self-discovery and introspection, a journey that is sure to resonate with those who seek music that touches the heart and soul. Don’t miss the opportunity to embark on this extraordinary musical odyssey with Daneshevskaya.

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