ISLAJA - KERAAMINEN PÄÄ (CD)

"If Islaja's previous albums for Fonal appear to exhibit a more overtly pastoral nature, this in part feels coincidental, or secondary to something much larger and more difficult to define. From the earliest Islaja recordings, Merja has made the simplest of instrumentation work to her own ends, displaying a disquieting combination of innocence and fearlessness, and a seemingly innate ability to transcend the confines of a genre. 'Keraaminen Pää' is the first Islaja album to feature English translations of Merja's lyrics. Whilst singing in her native tongue has never proved to be obstructive (at times it can even seem more suggestive), for those not conversant with the Finnish language, these translations shine a light that makes things seem almost iridescent. The sense of mystery is not lost; words cut fresh question marks from the shadows, suggesting new worlds and possibilities, real or imagined. The songs on Keraaminen Pää were written, composed, and recorded on three continents over a period of three years, with Islaja performing, recording and mixing the majority of the album herself. The recordings may recall the waves crashing on the Bight of Benin, the frogs croaking on Lantau Island, the starry sky above Roihuvuori, Helsinki, or maybe a one-euro pizza in Berlin. These songs travelled with their writer for a long time, acquiring new layers during and after the trips, perhaps lending the lyrics their predominantly domestic focus." (label info)