Ikivirta

Finnish-French composer Sarah Palu chose to release this, her debut, as a download code hidden within a bar of vegan chocolate. This sweet medium belies Ikivirta’s dark and brooding tone. Palu plucks minimalist motifs on the kantele (traditional Finnish zither) or Celtic harp, establishing a meditative feel. The record is accomplished, but cleaves a little too close to Nordic New Age stereotypes. Ikivirta’s translation, for example, relates to the ‘Everflow’ of life.

The album’s electronic elements are subtle but welcome surprises. ‘Laulu Lähteneelle’ begins with ambient ocean waves that wash into a stuttering low-end thud. The track also features Palu’s pleasing vocals, which elevate every tune they appear on, particularly in duet with a male voice on ‘En Silti Ampunut’. The title-track was featured on Spotify’s Not Quite Classical playlist, propelling it to 225,000+ streams at the time of writing. This very modern method of exposure contrasts with the ancient atmosphere summoned by the music. Ikivirta suggests that Palu will faithfully represent folk traditions amid the ever-quickening flow of modern life.