LÄHTÖ MATKALLE

They have a new keyboardist for this their second album.They also added a full time bass player, and have a guest playing synths on a couple of tracks. Oh, there is also a string section for one song. This album isn't as dynamic as the debut, much more laid back with the guitar being toned down quite a bit.

"Alpha" is mellow with plenty of atmosphere early before the drums come in. Tasteful guitar 2 1/2 minutes in goes on and on until the piano takes over before 5 minutes. Keys and bass are prominant as well. "Elvin" is a melancholic and slow moving track until a breakout 2 minutes in but it's brief. Another outburst after 4 minutes but this time it continues. Great sound with the keys and bass. Guitar comes in after 6 minutes.

"Don" is a very jazzy tune. The guitar is enjoyable after a minute. Drum solo after 2 1/2 minutes. "Lahto Matkalli I" opens with that guest string section for over 1 1/2 minutes. The tempo picks up 4 minutes in with some nice keyboard work. Guitar comes to the fore 6 1/2 minutes in as bass throbs. Strings are back before 8 minutes. "Lahto Matkalle II" opens with gentle piano. Pretty slow going actually. Guitar eventually joins in. Drums after 3 minutes and synths. A change before 6 minutes. Organ after 8 1/2 minutes. The song fades out to end it.

A nice relaxing album with some excellent playing on it. I much prefer their debut though. Still this is a solid 4 stars.