SPRING

This first EP of Finnish group Kaarna has recordings from both stage and studio, ranging from grandiose raw improvised stoner rock to more jazzy ethereal variations. The first studio captures introduce their constructive freeform aggressive catharsis, which reminds little the sound of The Psychic Paramount. Band has also a tamer side, presented by the second track lingering freely as glimmering high pitched tonal stars on the vast sky. Rhythm section joins the guitars later, and slow progression starts to evolve. Players focus really professionally to mutual reactive playing and have good chemistry when doing their sludge blues. Third song is more relaxed study of jazz themes, sharing the dark sounds of earlier tracks, and has a more angular and slightly stronger middle section which gives the song a wavelike structure. Fourth track starts in a kind of horror soundtrack feelings, pairing with taunting rhythm theme and tension building sequences, leading to hypnotic drunken passage for freak out soloing and an admirable groove from the drummer and bass player. The end appears little uncontrolled, but does not ruin the track. Also the edits of the track beginnings and endings generally could have been slightly more carefully done in my opinion. The live stage sessions have denser and wider sounds, and the first track of these starts with a simple repetition of drones expanding to wider explorations in sounds, an invention which ends to a circular cycle. Second live capture has a curiously wandering tender jazz tones leading to more relaxed and firmly onward progresses. Last track opens with volume pedal fade-ins, a nice way of bringing depth to the amplified sound. Open calm space is presented without haste, rolling in pleasant aural waves. Tender pickings lead to passage reminding little moody Landberk "sorrow sequences", which gain strength to the climax of despair ending this record. So, a nice fusion of elements, and a personal and sincere recording, recommendable for fans of both jazzy instrumental and heavier improvisational rock music.