From Amazon.co.uk
The women of Varttina can sing like Finnish angels, howl like banshees and growl like devils on the prowl--and they do it all on
Live in Helsinki, recorded before an adoring audience in their homeland. They've developed into a marvellously tight unit, able to move from the multi-part, unaccompanied vocals of "Käppee" to the out-and-out groove of "Laulutyttö" without missing a beat. Led by violinist Kari Reiman, the band is spare, framing and emphasising the vocals that have always been Värttinä's focal point. And the way the four singers work together--answering each other, playing off each other, coming together and moving apart--is a joy to hear. There's a playfulness to their approach that's irresistible and a very fierce energy and presence in the way they attack the songs, which is missing in their studio work. Captured on a great night, they simply rock--and bring the house down.
--Chris Nickson