Am I freaking out or is a tribe of musical wizards residing in Finland, entrancing all who imbibe in their magical sonic outpourings? It seems that every week a new artist from Finland is making their way into my consciousness, saturating my mind with a rich aural palette seemingly crafted from the forests of Finland themselves. And I succumb. I can?t help myself ? the sheer beauty of the music has me in its clutches. There?s no escaping, but why would I want to?

It?s a perfect fit: Providence, RI?s Last Visible Dog label and the delicate meanderings of Finland?s Jukka R?isanen. LVD has been unearthing rare musical gems from around the world for years now, and so it?s only natural that the peculiar folk of Sala-Arhimo (R?isanen?s nom de guerre as a solo player ? he also plays with Islaja) would find a home on such an adventurous label. The music crafted by R?isanen will not surprise anyone who?s already a fan of the beautifully broken folk purveyed by Finland?s finest, especially for those clever enough to have picked up the amazing ?Maan Matoset? compilation from 2005. ?Talviunta,? Sala-Arhimo?s contribution to that compilation is also featured on this release, and is a masterpiece in miniature.

With vocals, guitars, saxaphones, flutes, keyboards and a host of other instruments, Sala-Arhimo?s hazy explorations in sound are the perfect accompaniment for a weekend indoors, escaping the summer heat. The mesmerizing melodic drones fill the room, lulling you into a soporific state, while R?isanen?s voice floats over the entire experience. Before it?s over, you?ll be thirsty for more. Highly recommended!! 9/10 -- Bryon Hayes (10 July, 2006)