TOINEN TOISTA

Lately I've gained interest in the Finnish prog scene, mainly due the vinyl reissues of the Svart label. I had never heard of band Malady before, but I ordered both their vinyls after hearing a few songs online. I love that magical atmosphere of the early Camel albums and Malady delivers just that; slightly introverted progressive rock with warm organs, melodic electric guitar (both Latimer his lead-style and Gilmour's early echoey fuzz lead come to mind) and drowsy moody vocals. By singing in the Finnish language the band sometimes reminds me of the artistry of the classic Italian progressive rockbands. As a wild card Malady plays the amazing melodic bass guitar of Jonni Tanskanen, who casts memories of Khan's bassist Nick Greenwood. The whole album is drenched in an lively analogue sound in which the breath of the performance shines through. By not cleaning up minor imperfections (which a musician like me might spot) the music is that much more realistic and personal.

Malady mixes the melodic and rockin' side of Camel with the slightly laid back approach of Pink Floyd's Atom Heart Mother & Meddle period. The final track, the 23 minute 'Nurja puoli' is a surprisingly easy-going example of this mix, with its many melodic sections in the major key - reminding me of that 'Song Within a Song' nostalgic happy-sad vibe. Like most Finnish groups, the traditional folk traditions of the country are also apparent. Within the progressive tradition Malady doesn't invent the wheel here, nor does it pretends to do so. On 'Toinen Toista' this band proves that you actually can re-enact that perfect early seventies feel, and sustain it on an arguably flawless record. You'll find no production glitches here.

Malady from Finland, much like Jordsjo from Norway, represents the fruitful Scandinavian retro-prog movement of these last years. Comparing this fine release to the top records of 2018, this album definitely deserves a place in the top ten of that year.

PS. I would suggest this band be moved to the symphonic prog genre.