Customer Reviews

Iki

5 star:		(5)
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Iki is a testament to the sheer depth of Värttinä's creative talent. A gorgeous aural portrait of raw emotion, the CD begins and ends dark, with a whole spectrum of other moods in between, including bitterness, disdain, tenderness, and sorrow, plus a good measure of the group's trademark sarcastic humor weaved throughout.

Reflecting these emotions perfectly, the stentorian voices of the female trio intertwine in glorious harmony that can chill you to the bone (Syyllinen Syli) or shine like the sun (Nahkaruoska). Meanwhile, the forceful poetry of the lyrics shatters the language barrier, proving enjoyable even if you don't know Finnish.

In most of the songs, the singers are backed by an excellent troupe of traditional musicians playing the kantele, guitar, string bass, fiddle, and various drums and other instruments. However, there are also a few stunning a capella tracks (my favorite being Potran Korean). Regardless, all of the songs are enjoyable, making the CD good to listen all the way through at once. Since I got the album in the mail today, I've listened to it three times through and still haven't gotten tired of it.

Värttinä's Iki stands out as a masterpiece to be enjoyed by fans of world music and those looking for something a little different. My only regret is that there are not more groups out there like this one!

With some beautiful harmonies, a lush, subtle accompaniment and the semi-traditional sound, Varttina has brought us a great album in "Iki". There are many beautiful tracks on this album and it's guaranteed to appeal to many tastes. The songs vary from the fast, furious "Nahkaruoska" ("Leather whip") to the serene and beautiful "Morsian" ("Bride") to the deep and reflective "Syyllinen syli" ("Faithless Arms"). This album is a must, especially for Varttina fans like myself.

Known for their barrages of strident, dissonant, rapid-fire folk lyrics set against a modern backup band, the Finnish group Varttinna takes a more laid back approach in this album, giving yet another dimension to their ever-developing style. The tone of "Iki", which translates as "the primal, eternal breath", is less frenetic than their early, folksy releases and less dark than their more recent CDs "Vihma" and "Ilmatar". Replacing these elements are approaches more evocative of modern electro-accoustic American folk music and even light jazz. The trio of female vocalists on "Iki" consists of staple Mari Kaasinen, veteran Susan Aho and newcomer Johanna Virtanen. Most of the arrangements are by multi-instrumentalists Anton Varilo and Janne Lappalainen, while the majority of the texts were penned by Kaasinen. "Iki" is actually a good overview of Varttina's different faces. Numbers like "Nahkaruoska", "Potran Korean" and "Vihi" are exemplary of their rowdy, folksy side, while "Tuulen Tunto" and "Sepan Poika" are gently and progressively contemporary. Other tracks, like "Maahinen Neito" and "Syllinen Syli, parts 1 and 2", show more of a world music influence, incorporating rhythms, harmonies and vocal dissonances reminiscent of Balkan and Middle Eastern traditions. For a look at the group's darker side, try the albums "Vihma" and "Ilmatar". If you like the gentler, jazzier numbers on "Iki", you may also enjoy the creative arrangements on the albums "Moon Run" and "Remembered Ways" by the American group Trapezoid.

Since the first track to the last I saw (and off course listen)a perfect conclusion of these 20 years of work.They "pick up" all technics which have used since "Seleniko" to "Ilimatar", musical and vocal.In this album, you'll find a better sound,an excellent vocal work from every musician and singer.There's a perfect balance between kantele,bouzouki,cava,low whistle, percussion, accordion and voices...They use rhytmns from other albums like "Kokko",and "Ilimatar", but it doesn't sound like a "recycling work", sounds new, and preserves the finnish folk essence.Personally, I think that this album is absolutely brilliant,"wrapper", and strong.

I was a little hesitant to buy this latest Varttina album since learning that there are now only 3 of the original vocalists remaining in the group. After listening to the sound bytes, though, I figured this was probably a good album. Boy, is that an understatement! I can't remember when I have been so impressed with an album. I thought it would be impossible to top Seleniko, Vihma or Ilmatar, but I think Iki might just be the best one yet. This is one of those CD's that EVERY SINGLE track is 5+ stars! (except perhaps the one instrumental, that I was less enthusiastic about, but still not a bad piece). Buy it - you won't be disappointed.