Matti P
The Finnish instrumental prog fusion group led by bassist Tatu Back have released their second album in 2023. But first things first, here's my view on the debut. The composing credits (not given trackwise) are shared by Back, guitarist Markus Venehsalo and drummer Jaakko Pöyhönen. The line-up consists also of Harri Taittonen on Hammond & other keyboards and Marko Salmela on percussion. Two tracks (3, 4) feature slide guitar of Jarkka Rissanen who's not featured on the second album. Those tracks are the most blues-rock oriented, 'Lonkat' containing also funk flavour highlighted by a delicious bass solo.
The nearly 10-minute opening title track (= The journey with all its phases) is among the highlights. The grandiose melodies and thoughtful dynamics in the composition justifies comparisons to classic Fusion artists such as PEKKA POHJOLA or JEFF BECK. The band sound is organic and rich. 'Kevään viimeinen pimeä yö' (= The last dark night of spring) is a slow-tempo piece with a shady, nocturnal atmosphere.
The flat hand-clap intro of 'Sylvi' is luckily followed by strong ensemble playing although the electric guitar stays pretty much in the lead role like it does theoughout the album. Keyboards are left with smaller space to shine. The sixth brief track is practically just an outro, audibly unseparated. Again without a pause starts 'Syvissä' (= In deep) that has a dub/reggae rhythm and sneaks like a thief in a dark alley.
The final piece brings the excellent bass playing to the fore but in the expence of melodic substance, reminding me of Jaco Pastorius' solo works. Technically this is a strong debut but a little unfocused and uneven what comes to compositions.
