Musta (1998)

"This album sits much more squarely in the art-rock school of Danielle Dax and Kate Bush than in the folk-rooted tradition she is better known for abroad. Despite the title of the album (Musta means "black" or "dark" in Finnish), it isn't particularly depressing or gloomy. It gives the feeling of being alone in nature, but not lonely. Kurki-Suonio creates this soundscape by layering her voice over various drones and/or percussion. Sometimes the drone is created by accordion, by a synth voice, sometimes it is merely implied by the absence of complex chord changes. She uses her voice in a percussive and onomatopoeic manner as background to the more jewel-like quality of her lead singing voice. Kurki-Suonio's skill as a vocal arranger shows in the tapestry she weaves for Musta. Although several different producers worked on the various tracks, too many cooks didn't spoil this broth." (Allmusic)