Out on Havasupai Records: havap0001
“All the way from Finland,” The postie said as he handed me the jiffy bag which contained Permanent clear Light’s first Album “Beyond These Things” just over a month ago. What a lovely record it is too.
The eight tracks are masterpieces in their own right and are as follows
1. Constant Gardener.
A nice little ditty. A constant tune with the wonderful line “Don’t let me down constant gardener!
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2. Ribes Nigrum
A piece of English whimsy from Finland. Well yes! With a touch of Nick Drake,and the Strawbs .
3. Harvest Time
A Dreamy Country start then a rocking mid section transforming
into an eastern mystic sound ending like a celebration of Harvest. A mini symphony!
4. Higher Than The Sun
Originally a Fruit de Mer single. This song is where Permanent Clear Light takes off onto outer space. Tripping the light fantastic! Some lovely guitar playing competing with the vocals; then into the land of the flying teapot and a slight return!
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5. And The Sky’s will Fall
Sleigh bells with an eastern jingle start this trip. You can easily imagine walking on the Tundra when the sky is so close you cannot tell where it meets the earth. Do not forget your sunglasses for this one!
6. Love Gun
Back to earth again with some blues from Finland. A real contrast from the outer worldliness of the previous two songs. Great playing from guitarist Matti Latitinen and bass playing of Arto Kakko with solid backing by the drummer Markku Helin.
Happiness is a warm Love Gun?
7. Skirmish
A jazz number .Which shows the virtuosity of these fine musicians. It could be Weather Report from there “I Sing The Body Electric” Album. Funk at its best. The Musicians skirmish with each other in a most entertaining way.
8. Weary moon
Finish Country! As the Musicians take their leave of us with a hymn to the wary moon
This record is as if the Beatles had developed Revolution No9 (One of my favourites) with some Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd and Soft Machine. I would of loved to hear the word in their native tong; being a lover of Sibelius the record dose give one the fell of being in Finland. Permanent Clear light have produced a delightful psychedelic trip through their native land in a way the world can understand. Perfect for tripping the light fantastic; just listening to this amazing music.
Mark Waters
