IV

This is one of those Space Rock albums that just "sounds" right to these ears. The synths are warm and melancholic and there's a nice contrast between heaviness and spaciness. A four piece out of Finland they have been compared mostly to QUANTUM FANTAY, OZRIC TENTACLES and HIDRIA SPACEFOLK and it's the latter, those fellow Finns that they remind me of the most. I have trouble with QUANTUM FANTAY and have two of their higher rated albums that are both 3 star records in my opinion. The wildcard in my opinion with this particular band is the keyboardist adding synths, piano and more but also woodwinds and a traditional Finnish instrument called a kantele which is like a zither, where you have strings to pluck, like a lap harp. But this guy brings in some interesting sounds and warmth. Guitar, bass and drums are all great as well.

What's also interesting about this record is the shorter tracks. The longest and best is the closer "Kurki" at almost 8 minutes but most are 5 minutes or under. This is almost refreshing after listening to many 20 and 30 minute jams let alone the 60 minute ones. Besides the closer I love the heaviness on the opener but some good contrasts as well with repeated themes which is a constant on this album. The second song has wordless vocal harmonies which sound great as they come and go. "Capricious Bonfire" is uplifting and bright but melancholic synths and more are contrasted with it. Tracks 4, 5 and 7 are all very good as well.

I've really enjoyed spinning this one all last week but also on and off over the previous months. My favourite from this band.