Estonian duo Puuluup, featuring Ramo Teder and Marko Veisson, returned in September last year with Viimane suusataja, from which we take our Song of the Day.
It would be easy to believe that the concept of ‘less is more’ is prevalent in Estonian folk music after hearing the likes of Maarja Nuut, accordionist Tuulikki Bartosik and Duo Ruut. While this may suggest sparse minimalism, the results are often striking, dynamic, and vibrant.
Puuluup (translates as’ wood loop’) are no exception. Despite their primary instrument being the hiiu kannel (or talharpa – a four-stringed bowed lyre), their use of loop pedals and effects takes their music into another realm entirely. It’s one in which a clear line can be drawn from the past but is warped into a modern alternative reality. Their dry humour comes across in their music, as well as their equally inventive videos.
Watch their video for the surreal and mesmerising, urban-edged Paala järve vaala baar.
Available via Bandcamp: https://puuluup.bandcamp.com/album/viimane-suusataja