ANTRASIITILLE

Nice to learn that VIMMA, of whom I hadn't even heard two weeks ago when I borrowed their debut album Meri ja Avaruus (2019), is still active and making new music. This single was released last November. There are some changes in the line-up which was a nine-piece on the album. Saxophones, flute and bass clarinet are gone, so is the other guitarist, and the rhythm section is brand new. Pianist Aino Kallio now plays synth and organ too, with the non- member Janne Oinas adding his synths. This song sounds very different from the acoustically oriented eclectic folk prog, containing even hints of electro and trance.

Vocalist Eeva Rajakangas is once again actually speaking -- almost in a rap/ hip hop style -- the meaningful, climate crisis themed lyrics instead of singing, but she does it with expressive power, and not entirely devoid of melodies. The musical arrangement is exciting: very electrified (soft-sounding synths are almost reminiscent of electronic music) and containing a hypnotic beat, combined with violins playing a folky riff. I find myself enjoying this song more than I would have guessed. It really works as a hip hop flavoured, electro-acoustic folk pop, or whatever you may call it. The production is excellent. Hopefully a whole album is coming in near future.

PS. Anthracite, also known as hard coal, and black coal, is a hard, compact variety of coal that has a submetallic luster. It has the highest carbon content, the fewest impurities, and the highest energy density of all types of coal and is the highest ranking of coals. (Wikipedia)