Ääneni Yli Vesien

Finnish folk music is undergoing another exciting resurgence with many young bands finding new and inventive ways of celebrating traditions. Okra Playground is one such band. The six-piece ensemble made a big impact with their debut album Turmio in 2015 and they’ve followed that up with touring and a showcase at WOMEX. Their second album builds on their experience, brimming over with confidence yet constantly displaying a passion and respect for their roots and a tangible engagement with their audience. Their ‘playground’ mixes traditional instruments such as kantele (zither), jouhikko (bowed lyre) and accordion with electronics, guitars and percussion in a way that is a natural complement to the lyrics and their musical traditions.

In true Värttinä spirit they spit out dark spells and curses of myth and legend – with references to domestic violence and deepest loss – all conveyed in beguiling music and outstanding arrangements. ‘Words can whip and burn your skin,’ they sing, amid catchy rhythms and fun-filled harmonies. ‘It's never too late to dare to be brave,’ they tell us. It's that daring spirit that makes them a contender to be the Värttinä of the future.