Huminoita - 369
I have written about Finnish band, Huminoita, a few times before (previous posts available, see below); the band’s new album entitled “369” has prompted me to take to my keyboard again.
I was aware of the 2018 album release because I follow the band on Facebook. I was able to listen to 369 on Spotify, but it proved to be rather hard to get a CD copy in the UK. Neither Amazon nor HMV were carrying stock, I couldn't even buy a copy on Ebay. I recently wrote about the predicted demise of CDs and my challenges in securing one might be evidence of it.
Regular readers will know that I prefer physical to virtual and so, in the end, I liaised with Luova Records directly; my thanks to Visa Uotila for sorting me out with a CD. I was chuffed when it arrived in an envelope that had proper Finnish stamps applied to it (see above), so much better than a franking machine label.
369 is Huminoita’s third album release and it marks another evolution of the band’s sound.
The first, eponymously titled album (released in 2013) includes vocals and was/is the heaviest release to date. “All Is Two” followed in 2015 and saw the lyrics dropped and the sound softened a little.
369 evidences a shift in emphasis again, this time the music is more more chilled, like the band is relaxing after a heavy meal or a busy day. The Finns are even more economical with language than famous countryman, Kimi Raikkonnen; in fact on 369, there are no words at all, it’s basically instrumental.
This album, like the previous ones, is an immersive, contemplative listening experience and tuning in without interruptions is the best way to enjoy it. Too much background noise, or other distractions, will affect your appreciation of the more delicate material.
When I reviewed “All is Two”, I mentioned the Floydian feel of the music; well that feeling continues with 369, but there is much less evidence of the stoner metal influences (obviously that’s not a Floyd reference) on this outing. This time, the spacey/progressive rock and jazzy elements had me thinking more of the Ozric Tentacles or even Jeff Wayne’s “War of the Worlds”.
Here’s the track list:
All the tracks are interesting. The album starts gently, gets worked up and then eases down again. Zinerheum is mellow, almost classical. Particularly at the beginning, Gameover reminds me of Floyd’s “Money”; it starts to build the momentum. It’s followed by Ringfinger, which is my favourite tune of all. It's initally soft, gets more rocky and then ratchets up and up (think 3 to 6 to 9), to end on a bit of a crescendo. Maalismoon slows it back down a bit before Marsvolga, an epic, engaging multi-movement piece grabs you again. Sandmare and Pimpimpom calm it to the close.
Seven songs and a 39-minute duration do not make this a long album. My daily commute to work allows me to listen to it more than once. I’ll admit that’s perhaps not the ideal acoustic environment, but it proved perfect in the traffic today – a sedate 50mph on cruise control through the M1 roadworks was made thoroughly enjoyable with Huminoita’s company.
369 feels like a concept album to me, the lack of lyrical content makes it impossible to be sure of that, but highs and lows and recurring sounds suggest there is some kind of story being told. Not as obvious as War of the Worlds, but a journey perhaps, or a process of spiritual enlightenment, or some kind of musical interpretation of a drug trip. But maybe I am just over thinking it, I’ve probably spent too much time in the traffic. I’ll stop (just like I did a lot on the M1 earlier).
I have shared some shots of the album artwork, the CD image is nicely psychedelic and reminiscent (again) of the Ozrics. The packaging overall is rather low key, card outer, plastic disc retainer, no leaflet, perhaps in expectation that the volume of CD sales will be outstripped by downloads.
To wrap up, I have to say that I really rate this album and recommend that you have a listen. Separately, I am still hoping for a UK gig – a visit to the Craufurd Arms perhaps fellas?
Blog Home
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Previous Relevant Posts
Huminoita - “All is Two” a review
Faster Pussycat, metal pig and Huminoita
Links
Luova Records
Huminoita
I was aware of the 2018 album release because I follow the band on Facebook. I was able to listen to 369 on Spotify, but it proved to be rather hard to get a CD copy in the UK. Neither Amazon nor HMV were carrying stock, I couldn't even buy a copy on Ebay. I recently wrote about the predicted demise of CDs and my challenges in securing one might be evidence of it.
Regular readers will know that I prefer physical to virtual and so, in the end, I liaised with Luova Records directly; my thanks to Visa Uotila for sorting me out with a CD. I was chuffed when it arrived in an envelope that had proper Finnish stamps applied to it (see above), so much better than a franking machine label.
369 is Huminoita’s third album release and it marks another evolution of the band’s sound.
The first, eponymously titled album (released in 2013) includes vocals and was/is the heaviest release to date. “All Is Two” followed in 2015 and saw the lyrics dropped and the sound softened a little.
369 evidences a shift in emphasis again, this time the music is more more chilled, like the band is relaxing after a heavy meal or a busy day. The Finns are even more economical with language than famous countryman, Kimi Raikkonnen; in fact on 369, there are no words at all, it’s basically instrumental.
This album, like the previous ones, is an immersive, contemplative listening experience and tuning in without interruptions is the best way to enjoy it. Too much background noise, or other distractions, will affect your appreciation of the more delicate material.
When I reviewed “All is Two”, I mentioned the Floydian feel of the music; well that feeling continues with 369, but there is much less evidence of the stoner metal influences (obviously that’s not a Floyd reference) on this outing. This time, the spacey/progressive rock and jazzy elements had me thinking more of the Ozric Tentacles or even Jeff Wayne’s “War of the Worlds”.
Here’s the track list:
- Zinerheum 4:25
- Gameover 4:43
- Ringfinger 5:20
- Maalismoon 4:35
- Marsvolga 7:41
- Sandmare 7:34
- Pimpimpom 5:04
All the tracks are interesting. The album starts gently, gets worked up and then eases down again. Zinerheum is mellow, almost classical. Particularly at the beginning, Gameover reminds me of Floyd’s “Money”; it starts to build the momentum. It’s followed by Ringfinger, which is my favourite tune of all. It's initally soft, gets more rocky and then ratchets up and up (think 3 to 6 to 9), to end on a bit of a crescendo. Maalismoon slows it back down a bit before Marsvolga, an epic, engaging multi-movement piece grabs you again. Sandmare and Pimpimpom calm it to the close.
Seven songs and a 39-minute duration do not make this a long album. My daily commute to work allows me to listen to it more than once. I’ll admit that’s perhaps not the ideal acoustic environment, but it proved perfect in the traffic today – a sedate 50mph on cruise control through the M1 roadworks was made thoroughly enjoyable with Huminoita’s company.
369 feels like a concept album to me, the lack of lyrical content makes it impossible to be sure of that, but highs and lows and recurring sounds suggest there is some kind of story being told. Not as obvious as War of the Worlds, but a journey perhaps, or a process of spiritual enlightenment, or some kind of musical interpretation of a drug trip. But maybe I am just over thinking it, I’ve probably spent too much time in the traffic. I’ll stop (just like I did a lot on the M1 earlier).
I have shared some shots of the album artwork, the CD image is nicely psychedelic and reminiscent (again) of the Ozrics. The packaging overall is rather low key, card outer, plastic disc retainer, no leaflet, perhaps in expectation that the volume of CD sales will be outstripped by downloads.
To wrap up, I have to say that I really rate this album and recommend that you have a listen. Separately, I am still hoping for a UK gig – a visit to the Craufurd Arms perhaps fellas?
Blog Home
Blog Library
Home
Previous Relevant Posts
Huminoita - “All is Two” a review
Faster Pussycat, metal pig and Huminoita
Links
Luova Records
Huminoita
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