KYTÄJÄ

I didn't know exactly what to expect of this obscure Finnish instrumental Prog album, which the previous reviewer associated to e.g. post-70's KING CRIMSON. It could have turned out to be noisy and avant- gardish not up to my taste at all, but instead I enjoyed at least half of the ten tracks here. I don't mean that the rest were terrible either, that's just my style dealing with albums, skipping the less-pleasing tracks right away. I was compiling a self-burnt 3-CD set of Finnish Prog Albums from recent years and the 5 best tracks of this short album nicely fit together with the chosen tracks from albums by UZVA and MAGYAR POSSE (both instrumental bands as well, and at least UZVA's many-sided jazzy style shares something with KYTÄJÄ).

Just as T.Rox said, one gets many different associations (of bands or genres) listening to this music. He mentions also BO HANSSON which I totally agree. The soundscape is full of surprises and yet quite pleasant, warm and suitably fuzzy, and some orchestral instruments are invited as guests, such as flute and oboe.

So, my first reaction was mostly positive. I admit I haven't yet listened to this very many times, but I believe that further listenings only improve it, as the music is not so easy to memorize at once. One interesting question: how 'Finnish' or 'Scandinavian' this music sounds? It depends on the ears of the listener, but I do think there is something that makes you think of the fields, lakes and forests of my country. Of course the track titles are pushing one's thoughts on that way... I hope these guys continue making albums.