Agartha

I can't think there are many 'rock' groups that feature a trombone and cello as a lead instrument but one such is Oddarrang, a Finnish quintet from Helsinki. Calling them 'rock' is not quite right; sure, they can motor along very nicely thank you, but they can also produce absolutely heart-breaking interludes of quasi-classical beauty. They can also jazz things up with boisterous and highly listenable, positively 'hooky' sections with the trombone leading the way. Sounds a bit schizophrenic, but it's not. Everything hangs together. It's tight, disciplined and addictive. The tracks (they're not really songs in the conventional sense, but vocals are utilised sparingly to great effect) are long but at no point meander or serve as an opportunity for members to go off on an ego trip. Each listen reveals something new, melodies unfurling leisurely and tiny instrumental details revealing themselves subtly. Oddarrang manage to seamlessly weld jazz and classical elements onto a basic rock structure, throwing in flourishes of electronica as flavouring. It's a heady, exhilarating mixture and quite unlike anything I've heard before. Prepare to be intrigued.

Finnish quintet Oddarrang has established itself as a band with an undeniably unique sound – blending monumental riffs and dynamic builds with heart-wrenching, anthemic melodies that soar over a compelling and absorbing rhythmical drive. ‘Agartha’ pushes that emotion and potency to new levels with earworm melodies you’re sure you’ve heard before and driving rhythms sent pulsing through your veins. Taking its name from the legendary world that is said to reside in the Earth's core, ‘Agartha’ is raw, full of life and profound; beautiful, elevating and primalLed by eclectic musician and spiritual drummer, Olavi Louhivuori, Oddarrang has produced a bold and imposing statement that without doubt will take it to the brink of international exposure. As Olavi explains: ‘Agartha has taken on a new energy for us. The writing and recording process was so rewarding and inspiring for us all. We’re very happy with the new music. For the band, the music is special, it’s part of all of us and brings together our own personal tastes and vision for the music. Now, we can’t wait for our fans and new fans to hear it’. With a unique blend of cello and trombone, soaring vocals and electronic soundscapes fusing with the magma intensity of guitar, bass and drums, this is music that achieves profound beauty: elevating and primal.The ensemble is Olavi Louhivuor - drums, synths, voice, Ilmari Pohjola - trombone, synths, voice, Lasse Sakara:guitars - voice , Lasse Lindgren - bass, synths, voice, Osmo Ikonen - cello, synths, voice, and Aino Peltomaa – vocals.The tracks are as follows:AletheaCentral SunMass i-iiiAdmiral Byrd’s FlightTelos/AgarthaAge of CronosEnter another sphere with Oddarrang. Grady Harp, September 16