Tuomas Palonen - Tuomas Palonen
by Nicky Crewe
published: 22 / 2 / 2019
Label:
Palatsi
Format: CD
intro
Superb eponymous debut album from Finnish musician Tuomas Palonen who transports us to the lakes and forests of his native land with his evocative music
Tuomas Palonen’s background as a Finnish musician includes time spent in the band Kuparlinna. Their music is described as 60's-inspired indie pop/surf/psych rock. This is his first full-length solo album and it couldn’t be more different in mood. He’s working with Otto Eskelinen on flute, Saara Olarte on harp, Seidi Guzejev on violin and Heikki Tuhkanen on trombone. He plays guitar, keyboards and sings. He’s chosen to sing in Finnish rather than English. The album sleeve notes are in Finnish, as are the titles of his songs, but, with some help from online translation, I think I’ve got the gist of it. There’s a temptation to sing in English to make the lyrics more accessible in a music world that still seems to be dominated by that language, but there’s something very magical about a vocal you don’t understand. The voice becomes another instrument, and Tuomas Palonen’s voice is a beautiful one. The harmonies and arrangements in this collection of songs are soothing, hypnotic and serene, even meditative. There are hints of chants and mantras as the vocals loop and echo. Listen to 'So Much Beauty' which is like a psychedelic Gregorian chant. There are connections to Finland’s landscape and folk traditions too. Track 1, 'Sarastus' translates as 'Dawn'. 'Haapain Luona' translates as 'Among Aspens'. 'Palkanevesi' sings the praises of a popular lake Palkane. In contrast 'Olukkainen Juomokkainen# links to the Finnish epic 'The Kaveleva' and is in praise of beer! Tuomas Palonen’s songs link us to a magical and mythical image of Finland. They have the power to transport us there, as we go forest bathing by beautiful lakes, with the promise of Northern lights as evening falls.
Track Listing:-
1 Sarastus2 Suljetuin silmin
3 Haapain luona
4 Hämärä
5 Pälkänevesi
6 Hiljainen soutaja
7 Avoimin silmin
8 Olukkainen juomukkainen
9 Tuulelle lauluni laulan
10 Paljon on kaunista
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