If you’re looking for well-written, engaging and all-round fun sounding prog, then look no further than Sammal with their latest release No 2, a mini album that certainly ticks all the right boxes.
Opener Vankina Varisten kicks things off with a glorious-sounding Hammond line before the bright and expressive vocals kick in and add even more substance to the track. It’s light and airy; the perfect way to begin the mini album and as the track progresses with more of the same, it sets the scene well for the rest of the album and draws the listener in, making them want more and more.
Neito Mann, which sits nicely in the middle of the release, serves as a sweet filling and is a definite highlight. There’s all the proggy goodness that the other tracks have, but Neito Mann has extra energy and contains some very unique ideas which work extremely well – from the Balkan-style guitar to the intricate electric guitar line in the latter half of the track, as well as featuring a powerful vocal performance and a wonderfully funky bassline.
Things come to a head with closer Tähdelle Kuolemaan, a more stripped-back song than the other tracks but no less enjoyable, and makes for a strong ending to a formidable offering, leaving a strong impression on you and leaving you wanting to revisit No 2 once again.
Put simply, it’s just a great little release (and even features a great cover of Aphrodite’s Child’s track Magic Mirror, re-imagined as Peilin Taikaa!) so if you haven’t already heard of this talented band, then what are you waiting for?
8/10
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