Soita Mulle

Album Review

From the sparkling keyboard start of "Unessa," Regina are pitched somewhere between indie pop winsomeness and the kind of lush flow that seemed to characterize Pulp in the early '90ss before they headed for the arena (however unintentionally), where seemingly antique keyboards resulted in a strong, distinct sound. That sense of accomplished mish-mash has helped the band grow more distinct itself over the years, with Soita Mulle being a brief (just over half-an-hour long) but utterly enjoyable next step. Sleek lounge/psych pop is the general order of the day throughout and there's little reason to complain; if it's not at Stereolab's level when it comes to codifying and then exploding the form, the instant, charming, smooth groove of a song like "Paivat Valuvat" is reason enough to listen and enjoy. Meanwhile, the sheer feeling of the anthemic surge on a song like "Mustavalkeaa," with a piano and a full-bodied guitar chug helping to send the chorus over the top in combination with Ilsa Pykäri's singing. The off-to-outer-space chorus effects and soaring lead vocal on "Harjun Takaa" are another highlight. The slower lope and easy groove of "Lepann Aalloilla," with a gorgeous chorus where Pykäri's voice is supplemented by an equally captivating guitar line. All these show how well the band works in a slightly more restrained mode.