BAULTA

Nobody talks about music that "shrinks on you", let alone proggers, because after all good prog might need some space to breathe before pouring that first glass, So why do I feel like if I keep listening to this mellow instrumental post rock group, it will eventually tumble down the ratings tree? "Another Second Chance" is their last album as of this writing, and, while it at least sounds like the musicians are awake this time, I'm not sure I have made it through a full 40 minute listen without reaching for any lustreless new object in the vicinity. In all seriousness though, the first three tracks are propelled by creative work from new drummer Esa Starck and a good deal more oomph in the guitars, while somehow remaining mostly suitable as background music. The best are "Why the World Sleeps" and "My Golden Cage", before full-on drowsies really set in. I admit when I set out to review all BAULTA albums I was expecting more growth by the 4th installment, but perhaps they will need one more audition if and when the time comes. Just above 2.5 stars.

— First review of this album —

For whatever reason, and I searched under every stone for what that might be, this is the BAULTA album that has pricked up the most ears, with the track "Nothing Seems to Make you Smile Anymore" achieving a level of cult if not hit status. Strange, because it doesn't sound much different from the others to me, though even quieter than most on an already mellow project. At least "Different me, Brand new You", "Out of Gravity" and "Farewell my Furry Friend" uncurl from the foetal every so often, well, seldom to be honest. It's all very downbeat compared to their prior two LPs, still awash in keyboard reverie but lacking any bite, seemingly intent on either inducing or maintaining, if not outright slumber, then a meditative state. Am I writing this? I should have stopped listening yesterday. 2.5 stars, flattened.

— First review of this album —

Three tracks from the sessions of Baulta's 2nd album "That's My House You're Living In" saw the light of day the following year as a single. In effect, these were also-rans that weren't quite up to the standard of an OK album, and they not surprisingly don't sound like the best from that album. For the most part they are tame and lame instrumentals, where post rock merges into new age and both suffer, with "You Burn as Bright as Paris" being the most symptomatic; though it does attack a bit later, the intensity remains muted. "Bahama Mamas and Papas" almost scores a half point for its title, and it's certainly the only track here that hovers about the equator, with a pleasant jazzy slant. Nonetheless, this is one for the critics alone. And let's hope for no further volumes.

— First review of this album —

Despite another provocative title - the cover art suggests that the dog is master of the house, but I suspect that this is metaphorical, and in any case a cat would have been a better symbol - the sophomore jinx seems in effect here for this Finnish all instrumental group. The rhythm guitars too often chug and plod along and overextend themselves, without much happening around them, and much less atmosphere wafts from the arrangements. The opener is perhaps their best accomplished piece to this point, and "The First Cigarette of the Day" and "Take us to the Fantasy, Derrick" are both enjoyable but otherwise I don't sense a whole lot of growth from their debut. It's still just worthwhile enough to stay out of the doghouse. Oh, I think I might understand the metaphor now.

— First review of this album —

In the footsteps of GODSPEED YOU! BLACK EMPEROR and likely others, BAULTA is a Finnish post rock group that articulates their protests through the titles of their albums and, less convincingly, the music itself, since lyrics are absent. Equally paradoxically, their name translates to "speaks". It's like the 1960s instrumental surf music to which their grandparents grooved updated to the anti-establishment under 40, now under 60 crowd. But is it good?

In this earliest incarnation BAULTA's sound is electric guitar driven, often sounding like early BIG COUNTRY sans the bagpipe, or the more contemporaneous THOBY LOTH without the Celtic machinations. While atmospheric, these are mostly toe-tappers, with the sweet "Black Lodge/White Lodge" being a notable exception. I'll note that Eugene's axe has, in an act of unsubtle cultural swindling, been replaced by a Tomahawk. It's for FLOYD fans to decide if the music itself was appropriated. "Arctic Hymn" sounds like an instrumental version of "Kingston Corner Blues" by obscure atypical neo prog group JUMP, and "The Floating Girl Among Us" reaches the celestial heights to which it presumably aspires.

So yeah, it's good, verging on great at times. Just don't expect much ambient or metal. I'm not sure the power obsessed will be that impressed, let alone change their ways after hearing this.

I love Finnish Post Rock Scene really. Horte, Kairon; IRSE!, CMPbtGSYGM, Kakaokamkami, or Virta ... every single project is brilliant. And another fantastic combo named BAULTA have been added to my favourite collection. They've been active for 15 years around North or East Europe, and finally released their fourth full-length album titled "Another Second Chance" in the spring of 2021 via independent labels like Dunk! Records or A Thousand Arms. You will be addicted to such a fragile, mysterious sleeve pic maybe featuring love and peace (under such a tough situation around Finland, I guess). Their soundscape suggested through the sleeve should be well appeared and infiltrated for you e.g. in the third deep, heavy, and energetic track "My Golden Cage", where they would desperately try to kick out a narrow, dyspnoeic obstruction feeling. At the beginning, calm sincere piano plays are of comfort indeed. And simple, monotonous but powerful and aggressive phrases recover and uplift you.

On the other hand you will be driven to do something important in your future "While The World Sleeps". That says everyone should think and go into action regardless of the current deadlock circumstance. The following "Hardly Even Here" (one of my favourite songs in this creation) you can enjoy beautiful and gorgeous psychedelia. Tranquil, quiet, and delightful combination of dissonant guitar-based atmosphere and brilliant keyboard-oriented passion relieve and stabilize your inner mind. The epilogue "Long May Reign" is another terrific stuff full of magnificence and enthusiasm launched via their impressive instrumental delivery. Downtempo shoegaze-y sound expressions cannot discourage you but give a large amount of nutritious supplement. They would say people all over the world are suffering but keep holding dreams and hopes eternally.

Do not forget the first shot "Third" that should encourage and activate you carefully. Delicate keyboard playing based upon guitar distortion is fascinating. You can get immersed in their flowery, flavourful, aromatic sound unification. Actually I consider this excellent work would be appropriate both for the prologue and for the epilogue. Ultimate energy from Finland.