CD Review: Iarla O Lionaird's 'Foxlight'

Iarla O Lionaird

Foxlight
RealWorld

Ethereal world music is Iarla’s middle name—in fact, it is his entire name. Working with the Afro Celt Sound System, Iarla set the stage for success with a solo career. Hailing from Ireland, Iarla sings contemporary Gaelic songs that incorporate a plethora of pleasant percussion, sweeping electronic washes, and twinkling string arrangements. Leo Abrahams plays a large role in programming, special effects, electric guitar and piano. “Daybreak” is a meditative song with vocals akin to Girish. Interestingly, the addition of Sara Marielle Gaup from Norway is a talented and necessary part of “Daybreak,” since she adds some joik, which is Sami vocal music that is similar to Central Asian throat-singing. The relative low-key vocals and instrumentation provide a new age element throughout. However, world music renderings are evident with soulful vocals, soothing instrumentation, and plaintive percussion. The dozen tracks are an insightful romp through the musical repertoire of a candid and creative performer. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: V/A - 'Arctic Paradise: Contemporary Music From Finland 2010'

Various Artists
Arctic Paradise: Contemporary Music From Finland 2010
FIMIC

The contemporary music of Finland is poignantly captured by researcher, Pirkko Kotirinta. The stylish liner notes weigh in at nearly 80 pages of text. The information contains in-depth analysis of various music genres from Finland, including vocal genres, pelimanni music, accordion/harmonium, kantele, jouhikko, sami, and fusion styles. The music of Tsuumi Sound System, Svang, Sanna Kurki-Suonio, Trepaanit, Lepisto-Lehti, KTU, Frigg, Vilma Timonen Quartet, Alamaailman Vasarat, Ulla, and others are included on the compilation. However, the sounds of Finland's finest performers--Wimme and JPP--are nowhere to be seen. Some of the artists not featured on the tracklist are discussed in the text. The compilation runs the gamut of traditional styles in a contemporary context. However, this is not your pop or rock album. Nevertheless, some rock elements make their way into KTU's "Quiver." Overall, the Finnish Music Information Centre produced a fine example of Finland's music heritage on CD. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Finland's Islaja

Islaja

Keraaminen Paa

Fonal Records

Islaja is the name of Finland's Merja Kokkonen. Her latest album, Keraaminen Paa (Ceramic Head), is a Finnish language album of avante-garde folk and experimental electronica. Though, Keraaminen Paa is a fairly lo-fi recording with moments of electronic instrumentation similar to Norway's Sorten Muld and contemplative vocals that are a bit more bizarre in the vein of Sweden's Sofia Jannok and Iceland's Bjork. The earthy sounds do not necessarily reflect a melodic pattern, but the shamanic beats of "Rakkauden Palvelija" contrast with the spacey, atmospheric sounds of "Ihmispuku". Islaja's voice is mysterious, haunting, and full of life. The modern folk-electronica genre in Scandinavia is widespread and varied. However, Islaja's sound also takes on similar tones and melodies with the Faroe Islands' Valravn. Basically, anyone into Scandinavian folk-electronica with ambient leanings will enjoy the slower, more adventurous tones of Keraaminen Paa. The Finnish liner notes are also translated into English. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Sofia Jannok Melts Hearts With 'By The Embers'

Sofia Jannok
By The Embers (Assogattis)
Caprice Records

Northern Sweden's Sofia Jannok presents us with an introspective look at the contemporary Sami culture. The sungs are sung in Sami and incorporate elements of yoik, which is akin to Native American chanting. Sofia's voice is accompanied by drums, guitar, piano, bass, trombone, trumpet, violin, viola, and cello. The region's close affinity with nature is mentioned in many of the songs. For those familiar with contemporary Nordic music, Sofia's songs are more structured than Gjallarhorn (Finland), less aggressive than Garmarna (Sweden), and more melodic than Angelit (Finland). This is purely a modern release that transcends age and culture. The music never delves into boring repetition, dance-beats, or other impediments found in too many world music releases. By The Embers is a heart-warming introduction to contemporary Sami music for the casual to advanced world music traveler. The liner notes include English and Sami song translations. ~ Matthew Forss