Aloysius

Islaja - Ulual Yyy

I didn't like this much at first but when I got to Muusimaa everything started to make sense. There can be a fine line between evocative soundscape with microtonalism and thinking someone didn't tune their guitar properly. There can be a fine line between voice as an instrument and not being able to sing. On Muusimaa everything seemed just right, creating a vibe unlike any other, and that realisation then sent a shockwave back in time and changed how I felt about the first half of the album. The music on this is very simple but that's not the point, she's playing with texture not harmony. I still found the vocals annoying on some of the tracks but I'm giving this
7/10

Anteater

Islaja - Ulual Yyy

More of a downbeat experimental rock record with freak folk "influences" than anything else, and that's just fine. Kinda fun hearing so many disparate ideas in this record: some late 60's Pink Floyd feel, some Linda Perhacs, Bjork and even some ideas that sound directly inspired from the mid 80's weirdness of Japan avant-garde stars After Dinner. My favorite track is probably 'Suru ei', if for nothing else than I loved the whimsical ambiance as it indulged in as it headed into particularly surreal territory.

Hard to categorize, but I enjoyed trying. 7.5 out of 10

__________________
Anteater's 21 Fav Albums Of 2020

Anteater's Daily Tune Roulette

Goofle

Islaja - Ulual Yyy

1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?

Great soundscapes. Lovely vocals. Good stuff.

2. What did you think of the opening track?

See above.

3. What did you think of the next track?

Even better. I can't distinguish which instruments are making up the collage of sound, but I love the horns.

4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions? (see note 1)

Fantastic. Perfect for the music.

5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not? (see note 2)

Yes.

6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?

I think it's rather consistent.

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?

N/A

8. Did you like the instrumental parts? (see note 3)

Really interesting, and not too complicated.

9. What did you think of the production?

N/A

10. Did you know of this artiste prior to listening to the album, and if so, did that foreknowledge colour your perception of this album?

I have heard the artist before, but only this album. And I already loved the album, and was confirmed again.

11. Is this, generally, the kind of music you listen to or not?

Not really anymore, but I have always liked this kind of stuff.

12. Assuming you listened to the album more than once, on repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?

See #10.

13. What would you class as your favourite track(s), if you have any?

Muusimaa probably. Has a Tom Waits vibe and stands out compared to the rest.

14. And the one(s) you liked least?

Didn't dislike any.

15. If the album in question is a debut, did that fact allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated? (see note 4)

N/A

16. Are you now looking forward to hearing more from this artiste?
Yeah I am actually downloading a few other albums now.

17. Were you surprised by your reaction - positive or negative - to the album?

Nope.

18. Did the album end well?

Meh. Was alright, the problem is the track length is 9:40, but it only lasts for about 5:00, so you're waiting for a bit on the end and nothing comes.

19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?

Maybe a seriously aggressive track to end on. An opus.

20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?

Most definitely. A very cohesive unit.

8.5/10

__________________

Frownland

I've been a fan of this record for quite a while and it was a pretty key album in getting me deeper into free folk. The improvisational elements give the album a looseness that makes the ethereal elements feel more organic and passionate. The record carves out a very singular voice for Islaja, with Lau Nau coming to mind as a contemporary in sound. The music conjures up images of shimmery white wolf exploring a snowy, Nordic forest for me. I think my favourite track is Pysähtyneet planeetat because of the very simple yet effective whistling (she might be singing though) lead on it. I can't say enough good things about this record. 10/10

__________________

Studies show that when a given norm is changed in the face of the unchanging, the remaining contradictions will parallel the truth.

MicShazam

I think I personally found Islaja because someone who didn't like Björk pitched Islaja as a better alternative. They aren't really that similar, although it makes a bit more sense when you look at Islaja's two later, more electronic albums.

Trollheart

Certainly made some converts here, anyway. Good job!

__________________
Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

MicShazam

Several weeks ago, I did request that my first album was changed to another one, but you forgot to change it. I didn't bother bringing it up since I didn't expect anyone to like the one I would have put on instead. It would have been an inverted poll results this week if you hadn't forgottent to change the album

Trollheart

Fate at work, it would seem...

__________________
Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018