KYTÄJÄ

Kytaja is a project formed in 2003 by two young Finnish musicians, Janne Lastumaki and Jarno Alho, both members of the Indie Pop band Sister Flo.The name of the band derives from the small village in Finland, where they grew up.They debuted in 2006 with a self-titled release on the German label Bone Voyage Recordings, which got both CD and vinyl issues, with the second one containing one bonus track.In a few tracks Kytaja are joined by guest musicians on wind instruments.

The Finnish duo draws influences from Finish Folk music, Progressive Rock, Post Rock and even Ambient Music to come up with an instrumental release, characterized by eerie, trippy and ethereal soundscapes.There is some great work done by these young musicians, who can easily transform their music from hypnotic and quite psychedelic to rich and melodic.The album contains a fair dose of instrumental ambiences and Lounge textures, based on a deep atmosphere and supported by breezy trumpets, flutes and oboe, while there is always an intense Post Rock feel, that dominates the release.Half about of the tracks though have an evident Prog Rock inspiration, somewhere between refined Melodic/Symphonic Rock and traditional Scandinavian Folk Rock, led by excellent work on organ, nostalgic flutes, dreamy vibraphones, jazzy and psychedelic guitars and even some great synthesizers.The combination is quite succesful, as all tracks sound very atmospheric and the changes between the styles are always welcome.Generally the album sounds very fresh and modern, but the addition of organs and more folky tunes serves excellent a very vintage-sounding aura.

Very good first attempt by Lastumäaki and Alho.Not groundbreaking, but overall very pleasant and enjoyable listening, especially for fans of good Scandinavian Prog.Warmly recommended.