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Album Details

• Artist: Paavoharju
• Album: Laulu Laakson Kukista
• Label: Fonal
• Year of Release: 2008
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: patchen on 2008-09-09

If I told you that one of the most beautiful, hermetic, inspiring folk-rock records you're likely to hear this year is by a collective of Finnish Born Again Christians, you might be tempted to stop reading. Still with me?  Paavoharju are the kind of group that give Christians a good name: humble, daring and joyful, using their faith not as a weapon but as entry into the mystic, and a faith confident in its power to transform that it simple lets everyone in if they so choose.

Laulu Laakson Kukista (the phrase means "A Song About Flowers of the Valley") employs chant, acoustic-folk rhythms, found sounds, backwards vocals and tape loops to create a sound that is ancient and modern. Since the words are sung in Finnish, those who don't understand can certainly dig the depth of passion and the rhythm of the lyrics and they help the sounds weave a mystical but romantic landscape.

While all of the songs have that power, the peak of the record is clearly "Italialaisella laivalla," with its prayerful, pleading vocals that are truly, intensely poignant.

 The operatic vocals on Leena Uotlila, among others, are central to success of Laulu Laakson Kukista." The troupe lead by Lauri and Olli Ainala are spiritual seekers who provide risky but uplifting modern psalms that transcend auditory or even spiritual barriers. At some point, true mystical growth moves beyond the divisions of religion and into something deeper and universal.  Paavoharju remind us of that deep state.

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