There is a thin line between music and poetry. A poem can be like music and music can be like a poem or story, even when there are no lyrics or a vocal present. A proof of this is Abandoned Toys’ debut album The Witch’s Garden. Here the listener is taken into a magical fairytale world. This is storytelling without words, it is nothing less than magic.

Abandoned Toys was formed in 2006 by game music composer, Brett Branning.  On his debut album the piano is the lead instrument. It is like the voice that is not there, communicating stories with notes. The song titles, like The great dreaming swan or Where red shadows slumber, give some hints of the stories that are being told. Still, the poetry is in the gentle piano melodies. But just as important is the synth arrangement, which I think is wonderful. Just like a fairytale it has all emotions: it is happy, sad, joyful, eerie, light and dark, all at the same time. Abandoned Toys really knows sound design,  the orchestral arrangement is powerful like a movie score.

The Witch’s Garden is not easy listening. Not at all. It requires active listening, and does not belong in the background. There are a lot of darker passages here that need your full attention. Also there is no rhythm to speak of. But it has a meditative quality that makes it unforgettable, like a fairytale with a surprising end. Put it on, and you will fall into its spell.

Visit  the artist’s homepage for more information.