Album Review: Sinihirwi by Poropetra – A Folk Odyssey from Finland
Released in 2007, Sinihirwi by Poropetra is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. It’s not flashy or overproduced, but it carries a raw charm that sticks to your soul like frost on a winter morning. Rooted firmly in folk traditions with dashes of pop/rock and world influences, this Finnish gem feels like a journey through ancient forests, misty hills, and forgotten tales. And trust me, once you’ve heard it, certain tracks will linger in your mind for days.
Let’s dive into the details. The album was self-released under "Not On Label," which gives it an indie, DIY vibe. You can tell everyone involved poured their heart into this project. Juha Jyrkäs wears multiple hats as producer, throat singer, yoiker, and even percussionist (bells, maracas—you name it). Hittavainen deserves a shoutout too; he doesn’t just mix and master the record—he plays half the instruments! Violin, electric guitar, mandolin, flute, bass… seriously, what can’t this guy do? Meanwhile, Elsa Pardonen and Nancy bring hauntingly beautiful vocals to the table, tying everything together with ethereal grace.
Now, let’s talk standout tracks. First up is “Kurkilintu.” From the opening notes, it grabs hold of you. The melody feels both timeless and fresh, built around delicate acoustic strumming and subtle layers of instrumentation. Elsa’s voice soars above it all, weaving a story without needing words—I mean, who needs lyrics when the emotion hits this hard? Every time I hear it, I picture myself standing at the edge of a quiet lake, watching the sun dip below the horizon. It’s peaceful yet powerful, simple yet intricate. Just wow.
Then there’s “Mustat Vuoret”, which comes in two versions on the album (including a bonus track titled “- lisäkappale”). This one leans more into the band's experimental side. Juha’s throat singing adds an otherworldly texture, while Kuuraparta’s kantele brings a distinctly Finnish flavor. There’s also a playful energy here thanks to Aapo Hopeakoski’s inventive drumming—he somehow makes spoons sound cool, which is no small feat! It’s the kind of song that makes you want to dance barefoot in the snow, even if you live nowhere near Finland.
What really sets Sinihirwi apart is how it blends traditional folk elements with modern touches. Tracks like “Turjanmaa” and “Sinisulka” showcase this balance beautifully, mixing earthy rhythms with dreamy melodies. It’s clear these musicians respect their roots but aren’t afraid to push boundaries either. That tension between old and new keeps the album engaging from start to finish.
So yeah, Sinihirwi isn’t perfect—it’s a little rough around the edges, and some transitions could’ve been smoother—but honestly, that’s part of its charm. It feels authentic, like flipping through a well-worn photo album filled with memories you didn’t know you had. By the end, you’re left wondering why more people don’t make music like this anymore.
And here’s the kicker: listening to this album made me realize how much we take bells and maracas for granted. Like, have you ever stopped to think about how awesome they are? Because after hearing Juha Jyrkäs use them throughout Sinihirwi, I’m convinced they deserve their own hall of fame. Seriously.
