SPRING

KAARNA are a relatively new project of three talented musicians. They appear from nowhere ... sorry, Finland, but I'm thinking of the recognition here ... and offer a high quality kick-off with an EP consisting of four studio and three live tracks. Although linking to the psych/space ground there is considerably more to smell, strong eclectic hints and some jazzy moments for example, which makes 'Spring' to a rather entertaining example. The songs are presented with great coolness, totally instrumental, and here they have something in common with many other genre bands. Stylistically though they already have established their own unique outfit which comprises a well thought out balance of improvisation and composition - with the focus on the latter in my opinion.

I always tend to emphasize the obvious first ... the most playful instrument for example? ... don't want to be unfair to the others but for me it's Mikko Iivanainen's guitar work. On Four he offers his eclectic style in perfection. This slowtempo floating song is a killer, especially due to a multi-layered presentation which is implemented on the studio version. There is a spacey as well as crimsonesque vibe evoked by soaring, desperate and melancholic guitars. I'm probably on the wrong track but the improvisational impact seems to be at the minimum here. Mikko Nurmi plays a deep rumbling bass, relaxed - he's the band's main composer. His and drummer Tatu Henttonen's input is restrained, accentuated.

But this doesn't apply for all the songs. Scandal works in a similar manner first but later evolves to a funky orientation where the rhythm section is more expansive.Montreaux bears a slight fusionesque touch. The same with the first live track Song which proves their intuition as no other. Don't know how they managed it but I hear two guitars. The live version of 'Four' is differing to the original, more jazz styled too, with the attention on improvisation this time I would say.

Composition and intuition, they know how to make it. I recommend to listen carefully, it's worth it. This EP will be available on compact disc soon ... and makes curious what will follow. 3.5 stars for 'Spring' so far, it's not a full album and I'm sure we can expect more promising input from this band.