Riitaoja – Mantereelle (2013)

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Keeping things very weird and confusing, today we have Finland’s Riitaoja and their mystical release “Mantereelle”. With each song being weirder than the previous one, this band mixes elements from Folk, Southern Rock, and Jazz creating a very dark and experimental mix that is quite puzzling, but at the end of the day it is quite enjoyable and unique. An extra layer of mystery is added by the Finish lyrics, making the music even more confusing since it sounds familiar but we have to clue what they are trying to say.

“Vähän matkaa vielä” opens this release with a very solemn vibe thanks to the subtle bass guitar and desolate female vocals. This track reminded us a bit of earlier Hexvessel but with a darker and slower pace. The experimental Tenhi-esque “Ilmiliekki”, leads to the quite interesting “Hengitän”, a song that has a Southern Rock vibe to it. As the album progresses until “Allergiset oireet” the band starts making their Southern Rock/Americana influences more evident by introducing traditional rhythms and elements like the harmonica.

Janne Westerlund’s vocal shine through the whole album, but in “Lusimaan” they show certain fragility that made them even more appealing to us. The ‘heaviest’ track in the album come under the same title name and has a very trippy western vibe to it paired with sludgy guitars and a very hypnotic tempo, making it one of the best in this release. Another one of our favorites is the atmospheric “Kello kolmen raitiovaunu” and its very subtle guitars.

In general, “Mantereelle” is an album that is quite hard to explain but it beautifully unravels itself before your ears. Riitaoja has created a very unique musical experience and we sure hope that people have the patience to really process and enjoy this release. If you are looking for experimental music that is quite soothing and crafty look no further and pick up a copy of this album from Svart Records.

Band: Riitaoja Album: Mantereelle

Label: Svart Records

Release: April 12th, 2013

Oficial Site myspace

Genre: Apocalyptic Folk / Southern Rock / Experimental

Country: Finland

Rating: 89/100
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