There are times when I get incredibly frustrated with the internet, and my apparent inability to be able to discover what I need on it. All I know about this album is that it is by Jari Sirniö, who was previously in Dagan (or may actually still be involved for all I know), and that he has contributed low whistles to at least one other album. I don’t know if this is debut or not, but the implication from the press release is that he has released others. The reason I am so frustrated is that ‘Allofónus – The Final Gathering’ is one of the most beautiful albums I have come across and I want to provide as much detail about Jari as I can, but am failing miserably. What I can tell you is that he names Mike Oldfield, Camel, Renaissance and Ennio Morricone as some of his biggest influences, which is interesting as to me this is way more Celtic than these influences would imply. Although Jari provides many of the vocals, the female lead is provided by Hanna Nieminen, and the overall feel is very close to the music of Iona.
It is delicate and fragile, requiring the listener to play close attention, for which they are well rewarded. Traditional instruments are combined with space, allowing the gently structured arrangements to take the listener on a real journey. Finnish label Inverse Records never cease to amaze me, as their only consideration appears to be that the artist is from Finland, which means that their musical output is incredibly diverse. I only hope that this album doesn’t get lost as a result of that policy, as it truly is wondrous.
For once I totally agree with a record label as they say that “’Allofónus’ is an album that is difficult to describe in words – you have to experience it yourself!” Very true words indeed.
