psychedelic folk / blues
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About a year ago, I reviewed an album by Finnish one-man act J. Kill & Mr. Mule. I was extremely charmed by his stubborn do-it-yourself approach and the music was a nice variation from all the stuff I had been listening to. So when this new album came in, I was quite curious.After all, experimental music doesn't always have to be something like ambient or jazz, sometimes experimental music can be minimal but expressive and insightful pop songs.
Armed with his guitar, the kantele (a traditional Finnish instrument), salt shakers, empty paint cans and pretty much everything he can get his hands on, this act treats us to some creepy apocalyptic folk and blues songs like opener 'Jumala On Kone', 'Ilta Hämärtyy' and the immersive jamsession like 'Erämaa'. I can hear flashes from Tom Waits, a bit of Nick Cave and elements from faraway times, when life seemed to be tougher but simpler.
Some of the songs on this tape have lyrics, deeply personal and philosophical themes and one story about a religious cult which commits suicide. No, this isn't an extremely positive and joyful album, but it is a highly interesting one. 'Harhakuvat' is one of these songs, and somehow I hear some stoner rock influences here, acoustic ones and still deeply rooted in traditional or ethnic music. 'Saatana Saapuu Sieluun' even goes further by presenting itself in a desert-rock kinda way. Brilliant.
My love for instrumental music probably makes 'Peyote' my favorite track on this album. This track has a searing hot Americana feel to it, making it great road trip material. It's follow by the eerie, almost shamanic 'Minä Olen Outo Piiri' which drives on minimal guitar and features spoken word passages. So does 'Lopun Ajan Kansan Laulu', which has some Sol Invictus or Blood In June references.
In all, this is an excellent album, well-varied, often surprising but mostly gentle. Things can get quite dark at times but there's always room for decent musical craftsmanship and dreamy passages. If you are into psychedelic folk, this is something you should not ignore. If you like acts like Der Blutharsch, Bain Wolfkind or Current 93, it will not be a big step to embrace this project too. Try it out, you might be pleasantly surprised...
Serge
Armed with his guitar, the kantele (a traditional Finnish instrument), salt shakers, empty paint cans and pretty much everything he can get his hands on, this act treats us to some creepy apocalyptic folk and blues songs like opener 'Jumala On Kone', 'Ilta Hämärtyy' and the immersive jamsession like 'Erämaa'. I can hear flashes from Tom Waits, a bit of Nick Cave and elements from faraway times, when life seemed to be tougher but simpler.
Some of the songs on this tape have lyrics, deeply personal and philosophical themes and one story about a religious cult which commits suicide. No, this isn't an extremely positive and joyful album, but it is a highly interesting one. 'Harhakuvat' is one of these songs, and somehow I hear some stoner rock influences here, acoustic ones and still deeply rooted in traditional or ethnic music. 'Saatana Saapuu Sieluun' even goes further by presenting itself in a desert-rock kinda way. Brilliant.
My love for instrumental music probably makes 'Peyote' my favorite track on this album. This track has a searing hot Americana feel to it, making it great road trip material. It's follow by the eerie, almost shamanic 'Minä Olen Outo Piiri' which drives on minimal guitar and features spoken word passages. So does 'Lopun Ajan Kansan Laulu', which has some Sol Invictus or Blood In June references.
In all, this is an excellent album, well-varied, often surprising but mostly gentle. Things can get quite dark at times but there's always room for decent musical craftsmanship and dreamy passages. If you are into psychedelic folk, this is something you should not ignore. If you like acts like Der Blutharsch, Bain Wolfkind or Current 93, it will not be a big step to embrace this project too. Try it out, you might be pleasantly surprised...
Serge