Aquaplan are a Finnish progressive rock band that combines elements of Clannad and Mostly Autumn to create a distinctive, melodic batch of hypnotic songs. Almost all lyrics on Paperimeri are in Finnish, so I can't tell you the content, but the vocals are handled by Maarit Saarenkunnas in a nice melodic style that reminds me of Marie Brennan. Although most of the songs are fairly popish in nature, composer/guitarist Ari 'Suti' Sutinen has thrown in enough jazz and progressive elements to keep this from being too commercial sounding. The 8:40 "Paperimeri" is a prime example of this and is by far the highlight of the CD.
Aquaplan has been working on and off on this CD since 1999 and the cohesion in the band is evident. "Syli" is a slow hypnotic song that melds in some bass-pedal effects with great guitar soloing. This song could be on any Clannad CD and you wouldn't notice that it is Finnish instead of Gaelic. Drummer Tuomas Erkkilä started out in a Frank Zappa tribute band, and so I was hoping for some more diverse drumming, but Erkkilä is mainly a time keeper here.
Paperimeri is a very accessible debut CD that should appeal to fans of Iona, Mostly Autumn, Renaissance, and Clannad. Songs "Prince" and "Colouring Her" are the only songs with English Lyrics. Aquaplan is a very talented band that will be interesting to follow. I would like to hear them kick it up a notch on their next release.
Track Listing
1. Metsä 2:50
2. Päiväkirja 4:24
3. Hiljainen huoneisto 4:34
4. Puun suojaan (sinä vierelläni) 2:25
5. Syli 5:51
6. Sanot toista 2:38
7. Paperimeri 8:39
8. Prince 5:32
9. Colouring her 5:19
10. Prince (radio edit) 4:09
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