AJATUKSIA MAAILMAN LAIDALTA

Viima started in 1999 in Turku as Lost Spectacles, led by three members of the later Psych/Folk band Kosmos, singer Päivi Kylmänen, keyboardist/drummer Kimmo Lähteenmäki and guitarist/flutist Mikko Uusi-Oukari.With two more members on bass and guitars they covered Matti Järvinen's track "Tuulee Niin" for the 2001 ''Tuonen Tytär'' compilation by Mellow Records.The following years the band suffered from come's and go's on the bass and drums positions, eventually residing on Jarmo Kataja for the bass duties, while Lähteenmäki handled both the drums and keys.In 2006 the band's debut ''Ajatuksia maailman laidalta'' is released privately under the Viima name, featuring three new and three older and remixed compositions.

Viima play some sort of Symphonic-Folk Rock with minor psychedelic influences and bands like CAROL OF HARVEST, REBEKKA and WHITE WILLOW are the first reasonable comparisons.The overall atmosphere is mellow and calm despite the constant use of electric guitars.Viima rather head for balanced, careful-played Progressive Rock with elaborate melodies and dreamy instrumental sections than delivering something too complicated and excessive.The keyboard work of Lähteenmäki is a strong point and dominates the album, featuring moog synths, mellotron, harpsichord, church organ and piano, thus adding to the album a heavy vintage flavor.The guitar work is mostly melodic with evident CAMEL influences.CAMEL appear to be a great influence for the band also in the flute parts.However the acoustic passages have a melancholic tune, typical of Scandinavian bands, while female vocalist Päivi Kylmänen has a steady and clear voice.Do not expect to hear some fascinating musicianship by Viima.The members of the band are clever enough to focus on their strongest advantages, which are the delicate harmonies, the folk atmospheres and the vintage prog aesthetics.

A great Finnish surprise and a decent Prog/Folk file next to the likes of bands of the style with evident symphonic leanings.Warmly recommended, even more if you are after acts like EDEN, REBEKKA, WURTEMBERG, CAROL OF HARVEST, WERWOLF or CREDEMUS. ..3.5 stars.