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OK, getting back to business with yet another current music post.


Paavoharju - Laulu Laakson Kukista
Already I've noticed the reception to Paavoharju's latest album is not as warm as their past album "Yhä hämärää." Does no one care about this album besides me and Boomkat? Oh well. I'll admit "Laulu Laakson Kukista" is not as good as "Yhä hämärää," but the album is clearly one of the best of the year. The hybrid of sounds that form Paavoharju are probably a music journalist's worst nightmare. The Finnish band has a subtle Bollywood vibe, particularly in the vocals. The instrumentation itself is like a psychotic trip to the carnival that's haunting, yet dainty. Stand out track "Kevatrumpu" is like an Indian club track with Nordic roots, while "Kirkonvaki" starts off gentle and then explodes into an orgy of church organs that feels epic. I could go on forever about this album. Just stunning.


Lau Lau - Nukkuu
Fonal Records just keeps cranking them out. Fonal (home to Paavoharju and Islaja) are the best at finding these little bizarre experimental Finnish bands, you know, if you're in to that sort of thing. What Fonal is to Finland, Noble is to Japan (another favorite label of mine). Lau Lau's experimental folk sound is nothing new, but the album starts off strong with sweet, moody songs. The album wanders off a bit and doesn't come back until the end with "Vuoren Iaelle," a strange tune that could be a church hymn. It's still a solid debut with songs too gorgeous to ignore.
(Correction! This is actually her second album. Oy, I need fact checkers.)


Subtle - Exiting Arm
Somewhat abandoning their trademark alt-hip hop sound, the Anticon band takes a more accessible, pop turn in their latest release. Subtle has always been chronically underrated, mostly by the lack of focus in the presentation of their music. The new sound on this record should definitely catch new listeners. At least a track as awesome as "Day Dangerous" should do the trick.


Brael and Tokyo Bloodworm - Living Languages
The first album from this duo is an immersive piece full of droning atmospheric music crawling with intricate details. Introductory track "Saturn Shine" is a dreamy escapade, while other tracks like "Blue Fields" are delightfully dark and claustrophobic.