III OF DREAMERS

This is the only full-length album this Finnish outfit has released so far, after two EP's and a recently cooked DVD. Released in 2009, "III of Dreamers" is composed by eight tracks that make a total time of 46 minutes approximately, in which we will find some spacey soundscapes, melancholic tunes and even rockier and crimsonesque ones.

It opens with "Overture (Ulrich)" which has a dreamy mellotron sound accompanied by bass and drums creating a constant and repetitive rhythm, and a nice guitar playing low notes. After a minute it slows down and a delicate piano sounds enters, but lasting only some seconds before the song changes and that mellotron appears once again.

"The Camel Song" is the longest track and probably their most ambitious. It starts slow with vocals and a calm sound, a minute later keyboards appear and create an extraordinary background, changing also the mood of the track. The sound of the bass is sweet, and the addition of acoustic guitar notes puts new colors in the scene. There is a moment of tranquility that suddenly ends when the music volume increases along with emotional vocals. Later there is a beautiful cello that perfectly complements the disarming sound. Very nice track!

"Ocean" is a shorter instrumental composition with a melancholic and even sad sound, not bad, but it can be skipped without remorse. "The Dreamer" is another mellow composition but much more elaborated and comprised of several musical elements and textures. This has some kind of neo-classical style that actually reminds me a little bit of Karda Estra. It could perfectly work as a film soundtrack. While the music continues, you (the listener) will be more interested and captivated.

"Almost Famous" has some kind of emptiness in its music, a lot of pauses and a slow development. After two minutes its wings are spread at last, with symphonic keyboards, acoustic guitars, drums and vocals, reminding me a little bit of Yes. Its delicate sound may be a double-edge weapon, because you may feel charmed, or bored.

"Dike" continues with that mellow and calm sound. The vocals are always charming, even relaxing. And here the guitars are a bit more protagonist with different figures and notes that create wonderful textures. There is a great mellotron apparition that help in all senses, when it sounds you are in a different world. This song is of Nurkostam's finest moments.

"Motherside" is another cool track, with a heavier sound made by strings and drums, however their softness and mellow label is always present. After three minutes there is a part where the music almost stops completely, while a man is speaking. It has also some electronic elements that put a different style in the music, creating diverse atmospheres and chaotic passages. I like that tension and how everything explodes all of a sudden.

"Anon" is the other long track, and also the last of the album. Here you can appreciate a well-structured song with some crimsonian hints, with spoken words once again and with that mixture of melancholy, sadness and hope. The experimental side of the band can also be noticed here, with the addition of some quirky sounds made (I think) by guitars. At half the song the piano plays a wonderful role here, creating a cool background while drums and other elements are accompanying. The last two minutes are the best in the whole album, check that tension created and those spectacular atmospheres. Great!

This is a great album by the Finns, however I don't totally love it, and I believe it has some highs and lows, anyway it is worth listening because it will bring you moments of quality. My final grade will be three stars.

Enjoy it!

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