This northern Finnish combo has put out some of my favorite free form improvisations in recent memory. This new MP3 only release, available for free download on the Outa website, is a massive organic statement. Like the drunk of a dead tree, it is only held together by its determination not to crumble toward the earth. Its hollow insides resonate loudly. Over the course of four tracks, Vapaa create a barren, arctic landscape. Most impressive is the use of the environment this was recorded in; nature screams loudly on "Under the Midnight Sun." This release is centered around the 16 minute "Punaiset pilvet horisontissa ja muita lauluja keskikes?n auringolle." What's that mean? I don't know, but this track is all about letting go and burying your face in the dirt. Divided into two parts, the first is a tribal drumming romp. Chants and clanky guitars get covered in soil while minimal percussion keeps a solid beat. In part two, we are treated to whimsical recorder drones with intermittent guitar shots. Add in a little melodica, and you can feel the heat of the midnight sun burning the skin. As it coalesces into a chaotic release, the drums return and Vapaa stomp their way into the would-be night. Excellent stuff. "Kasvaa ja levi??" has an old school folk feeling to it. It's nice. There's so many different instruments being employed here that its hard to keep track. Guitar is the main weapon of choice on this track, but there are also maracas and some other kind of stringed instrument. One of Vapaa's real strengths is their ability to work vocals into the mix seamlessly. It's something many improvisational groups fail to do, and despite the fact I have no idea what they're saying, it gives these tracks more life. Vapaa don't get as much recognition as many of their countrymen, but if they keep churning out releases like this, that is bound to change. And hey, it's free! So what are you waiting for? 8/10 -- Brad Rose (11 June, 2005)