Kauan: Aava Tuulen Maa

Kauan are a Russian duo consisting of Anton Belov (piano, guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, vocals) and Lubov Musnikova (violin). There new album Aava Tuulen Maa is their third release. Billed as atmospheric post rock, the band's music explores ambient textures and melancholy atmospheres. Keyboards create a feeling of sadness as they add layers of sound to the musical soundscapes. Violins add an organic quality and contribute to the solemn nature of this music. These compositions are very mellow and often enter the realm of ambience. This is a relaxing album to listen to with no jarring moments. Guitars are used to accentuate the sorrowful mood creating subtle rhythmic textures and riffs and not so much in the way of soloing.

The album contains only five songs although four are over ten minutes in length so there is enough room for the songs to breathe and fully utilize their potential although I would like to see the band take a few more risks on future releases. The occasional foray into heavier territory would contrast nicely with the mellower stuff.

It all begins with "Ommeltu Polku" and its stark keyboards and thunderstorm samples setting a rather ambient mood. The violin adds another layer of melancholy to the overall sound, as it does in many of these songs. "Valveuni" is another mellow offering with an acoustic melody laid over a bed of keys. The Russian vocals are just okay, although Belov's relaxed delivery does fit in well with the album's peaceful mood.

"Föhn" is probably my personal favourite where subdued guitar riffs serve to enhance the moodiness of the sweeping keyboards. Acoustic guitar is also used before the riffs get slightly more intense adding to the album's post-rock feel. The album's last two songs continue in a similar vein.

Although I have a couple of reservations this is still a good album and recommended for fans of somber laid back recordings with a post-rock slant. You just may want to play Aava Tuulen Maa on those dark and gloomy mid-winter days.

Track Listing:
1. Ommeltu Polku
2. Valveuni
3. Föhn
4. Sokea Sisar
5. Neulana Hetkessä

Added: December 9th 2009
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 2426
Language: english

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