I

After the nice introduction to the public with their debut, Taipuva Luotisuora signed with their hometown label Kaakao.Meanwhile the line-up was expanded to a six-piece core but without Hermanni Vuorisalo on drums, instead Tatu Laurila and Taneli Korpinen had entered the team on drums and percussion repectively.The second album of the band, simply titled ''I'', was released in 2005.

They picked up the sound of their debut album and throwed in some heaviness in the electric parts, as this point the band seems to walk on parallel ways with Belgians QUANTUM FANTAY, introducing space inventiveness, rhythmic guitars and a bit of Folk in a nice Space Rock package.Unlike the Belgians though, their more folky touches, performed mainly on kantele and flute, had a strong oriental edge, recalling the 70's Kraut Folk acts, and creating ethnic soundscapes over cosmic, multi-layered synthesizers and electronics.Drums are very pounding and the guitar-driven parts are quite mascular, they even enter some PORCUPINE TREE-like territories during these heavier moments.The new album even contains a 15-min. long instrumental, ''Tropiikin hedelmia soseena'', divided in four movements and showcasing the Finnish at their most diverse execution.An exchange between powerful riffs and neurotic electronics with ambiental textures and acoustic injections, while parts of the piece sound very melodic and certain guitar moves are inspired by Eastern Music.And after the display of groovy, spacious sounds they have chosen a calm instrumental to close this work, ''Sohvatyynyja jaannöslangoista'', based on soft piano, violin and hypnotic drumming.

Among the interesting groups of modern Space Rock.All these bands had Ozric Tentacles as their guiding light, so do not expect something very personal, but the material is passionate, psychedelic and very, very dynamic.Recommended.

Despite the album's title this is studio record number two released in 2005. A five piece at this point with a couple of guests this Finnish band does an excellent job creating some variety within each track save maybe for the closer which is pretty consistent. We get guest flute on two tracks to compliment the strings, accordion, melodica and woodwinds that the band plays besides the usual instruments including synths. I just like their sound as they add some heaviness here and there and I like the guitars. They've been compared to the OZRIC TENTACLES and fellow Finns HIDRIA SPACEFOLK. For my money their "IV" album is their best and I look forward to reviewing it this summer hopefully.

That opener does remind me of OZRIC TENTACLES but I like the screaming synths on this one and the heaviness that comes and goes. An exotic flavour as well at times and this is catchy and energetic. "Tyvikasvun Kasittely" is pretty cool with the strings, synths, flute and pounding drums. Some soaring guitar too. My top three are tracks three to five which is kind of unusual for me having them smack dab in the middle. "Muovia Tehdaan Oljysta" is pastoral to start with the acoustic guitar and woodwinds. Electric guitar and drums change that before a minute as it turns heavy. Synths will lead over top of the heaviness replacing the guitar but themes are repeated and we get a couple of spacey calms including the long one with electronics to end the song.

"Koillispasaati" my second top three sounds so good with those cello-like sounds over the electronics and beats. Bass comes out of this then a full sound as it picks up too. This sounds awesome with the guitar soloing over top. Synths are screaming as the guitar steps aside. Oh man! A calm ends it. Last top three is the 15 1/2 minute "Trophkin Hedelmia Soseena" and it opens with guitar and drums and a heavy sound before being stormed by the synths and strings. A spacey calm follows then it kicks back in before 3 minutes but it's not as heavy. Really good then the synths arrive making some noise. The guitar is back sounding great but man that sound 5 minutes in really stands out as a highlight. Synths lead again around 8 1/2 minutes in then a spacey calm before kicking in at 10 minutes with synths once again. What a beautiful suite this is. The closer is really the normal track but it's such a beautiful affair with the piano, acoustic guitar and spacey sounds. Strings about halfway through. A nice way to end the album.

I like this one a lot but "IV" is even better, thankfully I own both. Some creative Space rock folks.