Kategorie: CD-Reviews | Genre: Avantgarde | Heft: Jahrgang 2014, eclipsed Nr. 157 / 2-2014 | VÖ-Jahr: 2014 | Wertung: 7/10 | Label: Around Your Neck | Autor: MA
Actually, Russians and Finns can't get along like this. It's strange that the band from Helsinki names itself after a harbour town on the Russian peninsula Kola. What she serves musically, however, raises even more questions. Murmansk's third work is indeed at the highest level of craftsmanship: guitarist Jari captivates with a sound that is sometimes powerful, sometimes atmospheric or highly melodic, moves between folk, metal and prog and is supported by a first-class rhythm section. And the whole forms a compact unit that improvises, experiments wildly, constantly pursues new approaches and does not shy away from effects. But something disturbs and diminishes the enthusiasm: The voice of front woman Laura stands a little too far in the background and fights against the dense, gripping groove. On the other hand, her singing also seems too girlish, too well-behaved, especially with harder numbers like "Peel". What remains are promising approaches and ideas, but not a really convincing album. Maybe you shouldn't save on the producer.
Top track: The Dead Adventurer
