Mikko Singh
Illalla nukutaan aamu on
self-released
Powerfully starting with "Iloitkaamme Hawaii", Mikko Singh draws you in... and then nearly lets you slip away. The production changes, the delivery, too, and all the sudden a wonderful instrumental track bleeds into a strange acoustic number with lo-fi strings and what sounds like waves crashing (though this could just be a facet of the lower quality production) in the background. The first track feels like it could have been featured on the "True Romance" soundtrack, the next feels more like a choice for a quirky, low-budget indie film, and doesn't really challenge the listener with its repetitive tact. Luckily, Mikko recovers, especially once he hits on "Palmun juurella", a similar track to that of the opener, though this time accompanied by Singh's fragile, though assertive vocals. From there on out it's pretty smooth sailing, even if lost at sea in arrangements akin to that of dreamscape pioneers Sigur Rós and the Notwist, touches of José González noticeable in the competent guitar lines, and an almost Peter Gabriel-esque quality perceptible at times. While "Illalla nukutaan aamu on" has a quick stumble in the important opening section, its creator easily convalesces, and the final product is quite an accomplishment.
- Lars Garvey Laing-Peterson
