Will you get it? It's not so much a question for you, listener-to-be, as it is a question I ask myself every time I replay this bizarre album from this group of Finns. The songs and pieces that comprise Laula don't function in tandem so much as an album as a series of unexpected detours and diversions. Within the first few songs, the group swerves from textural ambience to off-kilter electronic pop, into a dusty piano chanson and then into straight-laced Finnish folk music. Chances are even the most seasoned fan of eclectic music will be scratching his/her head while listening to this album for the first time.
I guess the real question is, despite its weirdness or unpredictability, is the music worthwhile? I noticed several reviews pop up in recent months that laid acclaim to the group's talents, and I have to concur that it's a thoroughly interesting listen. There are a few moments that test my patience, but overall there is a certain joy in the sheer variety on display here. Although there is a revolving cast of characters in the wings, brothers Lauri & Olli Ainala lead the way mostly, crafting both traditional songs with proper vocals (sung in Finnish) as well as various instrumental vignettes and motifs. There is a certain flare for old-fashionedness that ties it all together, even as the individual tracks vary considerably in style and arrangement... there is also a certain otherworldly mystique to these pieces, as though regardless of what sounds they're exploring, it's all passed through an enchanted forest before reaching your ears. "Kevätrumpu" is a red herring as the first proper song on the album, featuring an airy female vocal and a rousing, almost dancefloor backing track, like Múm overtook a discotheque for a night, all shake and sparkle. In immediate contrast to that are the stark folk-tinged waltz of "Italialaisella Laivalla" and the troubador anthem of "Uskallan," which swells with pomp and circumstance. The latter is one of the more compelling songs because it seems to synergize their ideas the most completely, combining electronics, traditional instruments, both male and female vocals, proper lyrics and a weird, old-meets-new tone. "Kirkonväki" sounds like some odd cast-off from an old film, another bobbing waltz that looms forth with organ, stiff drums and another fluttering female vocal.
Much of the rest of Laula Laakson Kukista is less direct... the duo focuses more on mood and less on traditional songwriting so to speak, but it is not filler. It all adds up to further that vaguely antiquated sound, something that sounds old but still feels new in its oddness and deliberate juxtaposition. The reverberated crow calls of "Sumuvirsi," the dusty music box melodies of "Pimeänkarkelo," the dizzy chamber piano of "Alania," the slightly dub-tinged downtempo of "Ursulan Uni"... all of these at first seem incongruous, but they are part of the larger, mysterious (at times downright confusing) impression of Paavoharju.
So do I get it? Maybe not... the words as I've written them here feel vague even to me as I struggle to describe the impression that Paavoharju imparts. I can't put it on unconditionally at any random time of the day, but it does have its place... that warm crackle of vinyl and old tape that permeates this album feels awfully cozy late at night.
mp3s: Uskallan | Ursulan Uni
more info: Official artist site | Myspace | Fonal Records
buy it: Fonal Shop | Bent Crayon (CD) | Boomkat (mp3) | Amazon mp3
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