KUU..

Though "Kuu.." does not seem to be regarded as the pinnacle album for KAUAN - that honor tends to be bestowed upon its predecessor - this is definitely their most mature effort to that point. The symmetry of the 4 long tracks establishes an effective template for contemplative and evocative post rock that doesn't get all predictably cacophonous at the end, and is a fair bit more musical than their idols TENHI.

Each piece boasts well honed vocals minimally but invitingly, real drums, and always expressive piano and synths, "Tähtien hiljainen laulu" is elevated by guest Alina Roberts' voice as instrument. "Ikuinen junan kulku" is the closest they had come to a masterpiece by 2011, simply sumptuous, but ask me again tomorrow. The finale is almost as grand, with more singing than usual, even fashioning pleasantly melancholic lead guitar breaks, and finishing with a measured homage to their doom metal origins.

If you didn't guess already, I find this indescribably lovely, but am going to round down until I have spent enough time trying to figure out what's wrong. Wish me luck!