| CD REVIEW Viima |
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Band : Viima Viima was kind enough to send me their newest release, who impressed me with Ajatuksia Maailman Laidalta (read review 18/09/2006) three years ago which showcased some very strong varied instrumentation work matched with Finnish lyrics and a dominant female vocal presence. This prog group is more about interplay and composition than virtuosity There are just times you don't want your prog rock to go through a zillion meter changes in five minutes with as little melody as possible, there's time you want your prog to at least have some catchy and solid melodies, and this album delivers. They vary styles a great deal, taking influence from jazz, funk, folk, Canterbury, psych, symphonic and prog rock, they manage to be convincing in all of these modes. The music tends to the more melodic spectrum of prog, with lots of great guitar and wonderful analog keyboards (like Rhodes piano, analog synths, organ, mellotron). Throughout, there is always something going on, and each musician usually plays an active role. The occasional vocals in Finnish are sung in a very smooth male voice, and add to the music rather than detracting from it or competing with it. They reduced the female vocal presence to zero, which is a pity. The main problem I have with this album is that it strays a little towards symphonic rock (Kansas/Styx). It's obvious these guys are influenced by Camel, Yes, Genesis, Gentle Giant, Nucleus, ect… but they still manage to keep their sound fresh. Unlike so many other bands of that genre, who are basically clones of the aforementioned bands. This is an excellent addition to any progressive rock collection! 93/100 Cosmicmasseur. |