Ameriikan Laulu

Aallotar are a transatlantic ‘chamber folk’ duo, comprising Finnish accordionist Teija Niku and Finnish-American fiddler Sara Pajunen. In the early 1900s Niku and Pajunen's families lived in neighbouring regions of Finland. However, while Pajunen's ancestors went on to cross the Atlantic, Niku's family remained in Finland. This personal dimension lends a wistful quality to much of Aallotar's music. Ameriikan Laulu's opening title-track captures this nostalgic feeling particularly well. With stirring close harmonies, it speaks of those left behind by loved ones who have made the journey across the Atlantic. On a couple of the album's other tracks (‘Metsäkukkia’ and ‘Tuudittele Tuuli’), lyrics are sung in English. While this makes sense from the point of Aallotar's transatlantic theme, for me it somehow breaks a spell.

Pajunen and Niku are clearly passionate about negotiating their shared personal and cultural histories. This passion and integrity shines through on Ameriikan Laulu, with deeply felt arrangements demonstrating high-quality musicianship. Overall, it makes for an engaging and immersive listen that expertly blends the traditional and modern sides of Finnish folk.