Not only is Aardvark’ the next Best Band You’ve Probably Never Heard (of), they are also a band that we really don’t know much about. About the only thing we can say with any certainy is that they are Finnish. They may or may not be an active band, the members may or may not live anywhere near each other. As for the music, it is both modern and seductively retro.
Simply put, Aardvark’ is an amalgam of everything that was right about the 1970’s Finnish progressive rock scene, as well as picking up neighboring Sweden and even a bit of Norway. This is the Scandinavian equivalent of Il Ruscello (another band that should be in all prog collections). The instrumentation is guitar, keyboard (analog), bass, drums and vocals in Finnish. The style is right from the Nimbus, Kaamos, Session, Trettioariga Kriget, Host and Råg I Ryggen playbook, and they do it brilliantly.
Upon first listen, the laid back approach might leave you a bit underwhelmed. That’s not uncommon with a lot of bands of that era, especially those from Finland. Upon the second or third listen, you begin to pick out little bits, like the tasteful guitar leads, or the big organ swells in the background. It is more of a slow burn than an in your face musical workout, and that makes it the perfect album for a restful evening listening session or during a long winter confinement.
The style is pure retro from the choice of guitar tone and technique to the use of analog keyboards. Truly, the only thing modern about it is the production, which is top notch.
If you are new to the Scandinavian music scene, this would prove to be an excellent introduction. If you are a grizzled vet that wished there was more music like Nimbus or waits impatiently for the next batch of Rocket Records reissues, you need to drop whatever you are doing and give this little gem on Mellow Records a listen.
Enjoy a trip back in time as you listen to a track from the second Aardvark’ album.
I need to feature this one as well. Very obscure Finnish band – one of those record by mail groups with band members all over the world.