Fonal Rec. Various artists : Surrounded by Sun (2002)*°°
"Most groups originating from the lo fi area did sound very underground, almost too personal before. Noways, with this new generation, a somewhat more professional area has been created to start from. This compilation is about groups from this second generation.
From the unpromising opening track worthy of mention are Janne Laurilla, "A thousand goodbyes", Ring, "Glowing things glow" (We heard more of his work ; we think this track is his most interesting one, influenced by Bonnie Prince Billie), P.G.Six, "A lake of beer and the three truths" (he released one of the more talented acid folk releases of the last years, and also this track, just guitar voice is almost magical, reminiscent of the UK singer-songwriters' scene at his best), Tinsel, "to build the voices", a charming Piano Magic like charming atmospheric track (electronics, whispering voices), Greg Weeks, "Howling for blood" (a gentle quiet love song accompanied by a finger picking nylon guitar), Ville Leinonen, "Unisuudelma (we don't understand a word, but musically it follows perfectly the Greg Weeks track both in the mood and playing).
All tracks on the compilation are somewhat in the same mood, with the long experimental working less well. As an introduction to bands and musicians operating in this lo fi area it works well, but the area itself being currently so much in vogue in an alternative way there is much to be approached with caution. This sampler does its job well." L.W. & G.V.W.
I have reviewed PG Six, Tinsel and Greg Weeks. See index
