NO 2

Last November this Finnish group released their fourth album Aika Laulaa which I will review some day. Since there are sadly only two PA reviews for Sammal altogether, here's one for their second release, a five-track EP titled No 2. Compared to the eponymous debut (2013) -- that undoubtedly was the reason they were categorized as Psychedelic/Space Rock instead of Heavy Prog as I prefer to see them --, this material feels a bit more straight-forward. Sammal plays Finnish-language, retro, organ dominated old school heavy rock in the vein of Uriah Heep and Deep Purple.

This release alone features a guesting violinist and she rocks along in the opening track 'Vankina varisten' (= Imprisoned by crows). Being so short, the composition doesn't really use the opportunity to add some prog in the instrumental section.

'Peilin takaa' is an APHRODITES CHILD cover (relatively rare 'Magic Mirror' from the late 60's) and I believe Sammal has increased the heavy aspect and made the song not so different from their own stuff, although the Hammond work is plain 60's psych rock in it. 'Neito Maan' (= Maiden of [this] land) is enjoyable due to the vocal harmonies and the highly dynamic arrangement. Now this is what I call powerful retro-style Heavy Prog. The organ doesn't entirely steal the show but gives also space for the electric guitar and the violin.

'Tuuli kuljettaa' starts in a slightly calmer manner and adds fuel on the third minute. Here you find the kind of an instrumental extension I was hoping to hear in the opener, although the violin is not present. 'Tähdelle kuolemaan' is a good closing track, and thanks to the passionate harmonized vocals it's perhaps my favourite.

If the band had given more time and dedication for their second release, it could have become a solid and dynamic album, but this feels a bit rushed. Pretty good for an EP, though.