Mind in the clouds

We've reached that part of autumn where everything freezes at night, but melts during the day. Snowfall in the morning turns to rain and sleet as the day progresses. The sun is a rare sight. Clouds of various densities roll over the city and mark the slow passage of time. What better way to spend grey days like these than by sipping good coffee and undertaking an auditory venture to Cloud city by tuning to Betrayal at Bespin, especially their latest album, Rains.

I was introduced to the band a short while ago by one of the members, whom I met through cycling circles. I was instantly hooked to their vast world of sound and melancholy, almost hopeless songs, which flow like the clouds in different intensities, suddenly turning from a thin acoustic haze to an all out storm of raging electric guitar and wailing sax. Their music is no stroll in the park, it won't soothe your inner pain or bring a smile to your face. But if you do feel a bit melancholy or sentimental on a cloudy day and want to hear what you see and feel, this is what you need.

Restful, I yearn to be

A long day at the office. With a lot of InDesign and Photoshop, and some Illustrator on top, another magazine of our student organization has been sent to be printed.

After some time spent in the sauna, I am attempting to cure my restless mind, only half caused by the long day, with candles, a drop of Caol Ila Distillers Ed and an amazing, soothing tune:

This song is a collaboration between the Finnish neofolk band Nest and one my long time favorites, Agalloch. The traditional Finnish folk instruments usually utilized by Nest are joined by vocals and guitars by Haughm and Anderson of Agalloch. The result is a journey deep into the elder woods, where one is surrounded by the tall tress.

Cease of silence

A while back I promised I'd give some credit to the creative works of my friends. What better way to break this long streak of inactivity than by drawing attention to a project comprising of two beautiful and brilliant personas, both of whom I wish to see every time I venture into Helsinki.

Behold, Café de Abejas!

Not just a duo, but a couple. Two individuals that share a passion for the early 1900s and are able to bring it to life in their clever lyrics and melodies. Although their music is best served live at an intimate milieu, they have produced a rather neat music video that is able to catch some of their unique feel.

They are currently in the process of recording their first album and need all the support that they can get. If you were as spellbound by their sound and expression as I am, check out some of their earlier recordings in Soundcloud.