FolkReviewsAutumn2020

"The two discs complement each other, and listening to the double album you notice once again how beautiful and interesting the human voice is – in its simplicity and richness."

"I immediately allow myself to throw all thoughts of genre out of the window and just enjoy the music. The communication between the musicians is the key here."

"The listening experience is refreshing and reminds me of a rainforest landscape, with a lot of small exciting sounds joining in from here and there, rather than presenting catchy tunes."

"With everything else removed, the most distinguishable elements of his music remain: his unique voice and brilliant jouhikko playing."

"The disc probes deep into the soul while simultaneously being so strongly connected to the environment that it is dedicated to the wilderness. The music is full of the power of nature, the aches and pains of finding the wings of one’s soul, and the joy of discovery when one finally finds them."

"There are a lot of intriguing musical landscapes, from big epic sounds and suggestive drones to a cappella singing."

"Many tunes make me think of traditional wedding musicians: on their way to the ceremony, taking some jazzy turns half-way there, allowing themselves to roam free and aim for the horizon before arriving safely at their destination."

"The disc is a good introduction to the gamut of music from Kaustinen, its history and the local humour. Even the playing styles of individual villages are discernible."

"Niemi’s calm and unpretentious voice is accompanied for example by kanteles, other stringed instruments and a beautifully sounding piano."