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CD
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OSAKA 008CD
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"Deary me, another artist debut that has literally floored all of us in the office -- a shimmering, homespun amalgam of delicate twilight music that fans of Colleen, Deaf Center, Max Richter, Marsen Jules, Brian Eno, Greg Haines, Stars of The Lid and so on will absolutely adore. Hannu (real name Hannu) is from that Scandinavian snowy vodka-logged tundra which we have all fallen in love with, and luckily the music here evokes similarly icy imagery. Like Hannu's countrymen The Gentlemen Losers, this music perfectly evokes a crackling log fire, burning away as you peruse old photo albums and eat hot soup, or even a summery night of quiet contemplation. Taking cues from Colleen's or Es's horizontal loop-laden adventures, Hannu takes us on picturesque journeys through his musical landscapes, each song an audio poem to unseen vistas, to drifting seas and crimson skies, to secret gardens and to bottomless wardrobes. His music is beautiful in that exciting, mystifying sense -- music which genuinely gives you a sense of awe and romance at the big wide world. If you don't believe me, just lend your ears to 'Haapavesi,' the album's second track and one of its most perfectly crafted moments -- tiny glockenspiels echo over hisses and crackles before being joined by low-slung guitar melodies and deep, booming bass with everything sounding like it has been filtered through some decomposed music box or other. Elsewhere we are treated to the harrowing acoustic doom of 'Lyhti,' with bells and high-pitched string sounds that would give Svarte Greiner a run for his money, and the unusual harpsichord-led jazz shuffle of 'Winter Song,' but this is an album that tells a tale and one which is best enjoyed in one sitting, from beginning to end. Worms In My Piano is a fascinating debut from an artist who is sure to go from strength to strength, and although it might be getting close to summer, this is a disc you're going to be able to enjoy all year long, just remember to bring the vodka. Absolutely beautiful stuff and just about indispensable for fans of Type, Miasmah or Buro." --Boomkat
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