[Paavoharju - PaavoharHän teki minut autioksi / 4:05]
Spring thaws not only the minds but also the hundreds of thousands of lakes in Finland. The light changes make the air quiver with the soaring sap.
Through the woods, gliding over water lilting murmurs can be heard out of the sylvan silence. This breathing music is the sound that I would like to introduce you to.
Hailing from the castle city of Savonlinna, surrounded by lakes Paavoharju centres around brothers Olli & Lauri Ainala and Jenni Koivistoinen, assisted by members/collaborators Toni Kähkönen, Joose Keskitalo, Johannes Pitkänen, Emmi Uimonen, Jussi Lahti, Lari Lätti, Gabriel Ainala.—I was immediately subjugated by their sonic mixture of "atmospherica" and esoterica when I heard their demo "Hän teki minut autioksi" back in 2003.
Little did I suspect that their witch's whispers would evolve to encompass all influences from folk to Bollywood music and church hymns to dream pop and even musique concrète. Their press book states: "Paavoharju's music is the outcome of long time, intense study of art and literature, dreams, religious despair and living in dark abandoned places."
This syncretism however does not preclude a strong sense of place. Like great Nordic artists, Paavoharju "dig where they stand."
More info here and here.
(Series #1 from my selection of Finnish music can be found here)
My Trusted MOGs
Dzend: I'm glad I can return some of the incredible aural pleasure you've given me, Nick. -- The fact that all their songs are in Finnish helps to mark the sense of the place but there's a mystique to Paavaharju which also contributes to it.
Lizzie: No worries, take you time. Hopefully MOG won't eat it before you return :p
ardyjormkiv: The picture was taken the band and shows where they live near Savonlinna. -- There are undoubtedly some animistic elements to Paavoharju's music. -- Finland could certainly be the next Iceland. You'll have to turn a blind eye to their love of tango, though.
My Trusted MOGs
Awesome post! I love it. I've posted a couple of times on Finnish electro before. This is great to hear. I was talking to a guy at an artshow I showed at last week and we had a big discussion about Finnish psy-trance. It's apparently huge there. Nice to fill in the aural gaps of electronic music in Finland. This music is very lush and beautiful. Thanks for the intro Bartleby.
My Trusted MOGs
I know you're taking a Mog break(once again but this time it's a strike) but just wanted to let you know I enjoyed this quite a bit. Fascinating & haunting sounds. Thanks.
My Trusted MOGs
Fistu: Thank you for your ever so kind comments. I'm glad I was able to return a little of the musical excitement you've given me so far.
August: You're very welcome to this season in Finland ;)