Firstly, if you expect the cold climes of Northern Europe to produce nothing but corpse-painted, Lucifer worshipping, blood dripping screamers, apparently a result of lack of sun, Seasonal Affected Disorder, and Norse mythology, then Sammal are not for you. If, however, you are open to a nice bit of prog, and no, I did not say “prog metal”, and hanker for a nicely played bit of Hammond organ, read on.
The simply titled ‘No 2’ is a follow up to their self titled 2013 release, and with just five tracks, none of which go into the Yes realms of over indulgence, feels far more like an EP then a full LP. That said, it is pretty damn good. ‘Vankina Varisten’ opens the album in a classic style, the swirling organ first fighting against, and then dancing with the sustained guitar work, the resulting vortex of musicianship pulling the listener through a rip in the space time continuum to the age of non ironic flared trousers and non hipster big facial hair when the likes of ‘Hocus Pocus’ by Focus was not a thing to be giggled at but a serious slice of cutting edge music. The fact that the clearly enunciated and well projected vocals are in a language I know not the first thing about is entirely beside the point, and in no way detracts from the enjoyment of the song. By track two, ‘Peilin Takaa’, I’d swear the percussionist must have been watching the infamous Saturday Night Live sketch about “More Cowbell” on a loop with its funky interlude, whilst ‘Neito Maan’ has a big chunk of Lynyrd Skynyrd imbuing the track with Southern Rock swagger.
Whilst nothing in this self declared “mini-album” in which the band says on the label page is a chance to “clear out their closet” is brimming with originality, what it is brimming with is energy and skilful execution. I sometimes worry that being 44 and possessing extensive knowledge of predecessors of modern bands means I do a disservice to new acts by constantly comparing them to what has come before. With the state of modern music where “Old School” practically refers to last month, acts like Sammal would probably feel like a breath of fresh air and originality to most listeners. Please enjoy it as such, and if this excellent rock offering encourages you to explore the genre, all to the good.
(8/10 Spenny)
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