Tenhi
Airut:Aamujen

After a splendid full-length titled "Maaaet", released in 2006, the Lapland trio returns to the scene with their new work released towards the end of the same year, "Airut - Aamujen". Initially, it was proposed as a side-project of two members of Tenhi, Tyko Saarikko and Ilmari Issakainen (the Harmaa) and then adapted and published under their own label.

The stylistic choice of this new record is vastly different from its predecessor, where the presence of acoustic guitars played a fundamental role in various tracks, with the melancholic and ethereal notes of the piano and strings elegantly resonating in the pieces. In "Airut - Aamujen", the six strings are set aside, and it is precisely the piano that is brought to the forefront as the only melodic component, accompanied by some rare synth insertions and a rhythmic minimalism of bass and drums. The result is not disappointing; on the contrary, with this "experimentation," Tenhi demonstrate their brilliance in being able to convey to the listener the sensation of the natural atmosphere of their homeland (as they have always done throughout their musical journey), even while foregoing the use of other instruments employed in previous works.

The work begins with "Saapuminen", a brief instrumental intro where the low chords of a solitary piano illustrate a landscape now covered and suffocated by frost, and continues with the enchanting "Seintensarvi", where the evocative voice of Tyko Saarikko and light whispers magnificently intertwine with the piano phrases and the delicacy of the bass and percussion. After the splendid "Lavitseni Kaikkeen" and "Luopumisen Laulu", which follow the style of the previous track, we arrive at the second instrumental piece of the album, "Kuvajainen", a melodic progression of over seven minutes, with evident neoclassical influences. With "Oikea Sointi", we reach a perfect metaphor translated into music of snow falling carried by the wind, perhaps while one finds themselves lost in the midst of a forest. Subsequently, the atmosphere becomes darker with "Kahluu" and "Hiensynty", the two darkest tracks of the CD, and concludes with the sweet and melancholic "Lahelta", featuring the enchanting voice of singer Tuukka Tolvanen (also present in "Luopumisen Laulu").

In conclusion, this is indeed a good album, which certainly doesn't reach the praises of a masterpiece but will surely be appreciated if you were satisfied with the past works of this band. Enjoy the music.