Continuing our exploration of the music of Helsinki, we start with young progressive folk band Vimma. Lead vocalist Eeva Rajakangas has been dubbed the Greta Thunberg of Finland for her environmental activism alongside fellow band member and violinist Pessi Jouste. This apparently is reflected in much of their lyrics, which sadly I don't understand. Here is a song from their 2019 debut EP Studio Live called Kuu:
Their latest YouTube release that hasn't found it into any recordings yet has some English subtitles and was filmed after a train carrying coal was blocked by the 2 activists and others in protest against climate change and fossil fuel exploration:
Folk metal band Ritva Nero formed in Helsinki in 2017. They combine 18th century dance tunes such as Mazurkas, Polkas and Maanitus on instruments such as saxophone, Finnish bagpipes and nyckelharpa with metal drum and bass to create a contemporary party metal folk style of their own. Here is a tune from their debut 2022 album Immortal Tradition called Master of Maanitus:
Acid folk duo Akkajee consists of two women or 'akkas', akka translating as a head strong woman with a decisive attitude and a sharp tongue, playing the viola and nyckelharpa as well as singing and playing a home made stomp box. They tell stories (which sadly I can't understand) seasoned with pulsating beats and floating soundscapes. This is the title track from their 2021 album Lastenkerääjä (Child Collector):
I first came across singer and pianist Vilma Talvite when she started a series on her YouTube channel called 100 songs from 100 countries, where she took her viewers and listeners on a virtual tour of the world during lockdown. Apart from her solo projects she is also lead singer of the folk/pop band Valma & Varsinaiset. Here is a song from their 2018 album Laulaja vailla äntää (Singer without a stutter) called Eturivin tyttö (Girl in the front row):
Contemporary folk trio Pauanne mix old archive recordings with violin, keyboards and drums and a fascinating blend. The recordings, some of them 100 years old include spells from Sámi healers, a sermon from a western Finnish prison and cattle calls from Karelia. They say, they are fascinated by the 'outrageous beliefs' of the past and its endemic prejudices, paranoia, fear of foreigners and persecution of women. They feel that these traits are still very much alive, just dressed in modern clothes. Here is a song from their 2019 self-titled album called Siihen laihin eläny (Lived up to that law):
That's where I'll leave it today, as it looks like we will linger a bit longer in Helsinki next time. Until then you can follow my virtual travels on my tripline map.
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