After three years of waiting Finnish band JÄÄPORTIT has finally a new record out. Mastermind Tuomas T. Mäkelä, in the meantime supported by Mindy M. Heinonen, musically as well as for graphical matters. Additionally she adds her voice, to exactly one song on Voimasuo (Hengenvaara), as she did on one song on the previous album too.
As it was already to sense out on Avarrus, JÄÄPORTIT go on in developing their sounds. Tuomas departs more and more from the Ambient genre, ranging now in wider musical fields, expanding styles and influences. Guitars dominate these days, harsh synths and even drum work is to find. The dreamy Ambient soundscapes of the debut Uumenissa only shines through every now and then.
Voimasuo displays a distinct soundtrack character. I feel always again reminded of the movie Near Dark (by Kathryn Bigelow) Voimasuo would perfectly suit to (what doesn’t mean that you can musically compare Voimasuo with the original score by Tangerine Dream…)
The Finns got harsher, edgier, in a very charming way. Not spectacular but well done. I really like this record.