Thursday, February 21, 2008

Tenhi - Väre

“Väre” is the second full-length from TENHI, Finland’s renowned Folk band. Their debut “Kauan” is already considered a classic among Folk fans and I personally consider it to be one of my favourite albums of all time. Their ability to combine melancholy with Finnish folklore and the very essence of Finnish nature so perfectly was something that instantly won me over. In fact TENHI has affected my whole way of life so it’s no wonder that TENHI is and will remain as one of my all-time favourite bands. In that light it is also a little funny that I have found the task of reviewing their “Väre” nearly impossible. But then again how can you review something like this? There are no words to describe the majesty of TENHI. No praise good enough. I am helplessly biased here.This is just a short overview of the album, nothing more nothing less. The reason for this is stated both above and in the fourth paragraph.Compared to the debut the most notable difference is that “Väre” has a more colourful sound due to the use of a wider variety of traditional instruments. Whereas “Kauan” was mostly comprised of guitars, piano, percussions and vocals “Väre” introduces jew’s harp, didgeridoo, udu, flute and violin among others to the music. All this gives a more upbeat and even progressive touch so the vastly melancholic atmosphere of the debut is there no more. Yet this is not without melancholy, mind you. Just that here it comes more from the beauty of the music. “Väre” is so beautiful that it’s actually depressing.And no, I will not describe individual songs here. That is completely out of the question. The reason being that “Väre”, just like the debut, is a very personal experience. This is not just music, this is art. This is not just for your ears, but for your mind and soul. This is not just a journey, this is a movie for the mind. This is not just an experience, it’s a spiritual revelation.To quote a fellow member of the brotherhood: “Who has not heard it, can’t imagine. If TENHI did not exist, one would have to invent them.” Or to put it short, “Väre” is THE epitome of Folk music, period.And no, I will not rate this. I cannot bring myself to give a rating to something so personal, so magical and something so divine.
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Tracklist:
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Vastakaiun
Jäljen
Vilja
Keväin
Yötä
Suortuva
Tenhi
Sutoi
Katve
Varis
Eloinen
Kuolleesi
Jokeen
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