AERIALS

The real full-length debut album offered by this productive composer duo Olli Huhtanen and Sami Sarhamaa from Finland. Both are covering all the guitar, bass, keyboard and vocal duties again. Hah, guessed correctly, when I came in touch with their initial EP in 2020 I was quite sure that this could not be the deep end. The elaborate arrangements convinced me, so much spirit available, consequently there was more to be expected. Mission accomplished almost two years later! This requires a fruitful collaboration with a drummer of course. Yep, Miri Miettinen delivers a great job, that should be noted. Finally Ella Eriksson aka EllaElla rounds it all up with some nice speech and backing vocals like on the charming track Safe And Sound. That needs a further note now concerning the sound quality, it's exorbitant, leaves nothing to be desired.

For good reason I'll continue with the second track Assimilate, eh, the title somehow hits the nail on the head. This is a prog album for sure, nevertheless sometimes also features sophisticated pop rock imprints, for example in the vein of Tears For Fears in best form. No problem, I'm feeling absolutely comfortable with this clever production. The closing track Youth on the other hand is such a multi-varianted exemplar. Songwriting at its best. No Still Moment even features a complete choir backing. Hence, literally seen they are '... giving people what they deserve ...', Kibitzer definitely makes my day, appears as one album highlight. Or just take the fabulous Itinerant with its enourmous pressure and groove, fantastic! Finally, according to the atmosphere and niveau, let me compare this with Perfect Storm's album 'No Air'. 'Aerials' is available in digital and double vinyl format through the Samsara Records label. A must have for melodic (prog) rock lovers.