These selections portray ancient folksongs from Finland, Karelia and Ingria. The original recordings were taken from the Folklore Archives of the Finnish Literature Society. The oldest of these archival recordings of Finnish folk songs, made between 1905 and 1967, were captured on the first wax cylinder and lacquer disc technology available in the country at the turn of the century. They sample and preserve a lost folk-singing culture while exploring the relationship between the ...

After Kokko, their trip into the barren land of neo-pop, it seemed as if Värttinä had shot their creative wad. That makes this all the more welcome, since Vihma, if not a return to the way things were, is at least a definite way out of the cul-de-sac. They lay their manifesto on the line with the opening title track, which crams in samples, programmed beats, a strong studio feel around an in- ...

Finnish songs The Girls of Angeli find their inspiration in yoik, a type of traditional music from the Sami, Finland's indigenous people. Their album, The New Voice of the North, combines the chanting cadences of yoik with contemporary dance and pop elements, and collects the group's works from 1992 to 1997. Some songs are pure yoiks, like "Bahkka Beaivi (Hot Day)" and "Bonkit Go Johtit (Here & There)," featuring the Girls of Angeli's lilting, vibrant ...

Finnish album The second release from the Girls of Angeli (also known as Angelit), Mannu refines the group's Finnish style. ~ Steve Huey Formerly The Girls Of Angeli Anglelit: Alfa Hakkinen (vocals, guitar); Ursula Lansman, Tunni Lansman (vocals); Kimmo Kajasto (keyboards, programming); Samuli Kosminen, Mamba Asseta (percussion).

Finnish music Back with a new label and a darker sound, Finland's Värttinä have obviously taken a little time to reappraise their music. There was nothing wrong with what they were doing before, but obviously it was time for a change, and with Miero, that's apparent from the opening strains of "Riena." The vocals are still very much front and center, but this time there seems to be a stronger integration between the singing and the instruments, where they push and wind around each other. While they've often indulged their passions for frantic songs in the past, it's tempered this time, with more ...