ARPEGGIO

Arpeggio is Ektroverde's tightest and most focused album. That may or may not be due to it being released by Bad Vugum label who had a very strict release policy that didn't allow idling on their releases.

The music here is simple and repetitive very much in the vein of Can and Neu. Drums (sometimes combined with electronic percussion and/or drum machine) and bass create a more or less motorik groove. Tasteful guitars, plenty of keyboards and the odd sound effect, synth or field recording bit here and there are added on top of it. The second track "Puuttuva" ("missing") takes a detour via Canterbury with its nimble bass riff and jazzy electric piano. In fact a lot of the keyboards have Canterbury vibe on other tracks as well. Sound is excellent throughout and production gives plenty of space for all instruments. There's a good feeling all through the album, the kind of warm summer night ambience.

The album starts really good, but due to repetitive music, it gets slightly boring towards the end even though it's under 40 minutes long. Still, I won't hesitate to recommend this to fans of the mentioned Can and Neu, as well as those interested in Finnish experimental music underground.