Clocks And Clouds
Eclipse, 2018
8/10
A multi-instrumentalist, composer and conductor, Jukka Iisakkila births a very exciting debut solo album here, where his inimitable instrumental songs are filled with orchestral, symphonic and rock ideas.
“Freefall” opens the listen with a very raw and adventurous mashing of free jazz and prog-rock, where the thumping drums and soaring guitars complement the fusion landscape, and “The Only Sound Is Waterdrops” follows with a thicker approach that’s even a bit dreamy under the cinematic ebbs of beauty.
In the middle, “Interludes” focuses on keys amid the hypnotic, even quirky two and a half minutes, while “Clocks And Clouds” recruits squealing guitar for a powerful and soothing album highlight.
“Darling We’ve Made A Mess” lands near the end and presents a busy, dynamic climate of firm rock influences alongside the dizzying drums and complicated guitar acrobatics, and “Shakin’ It On” exits the listen with curious rhythm and creative jazz nods that few could replicate.
Iisakkila plays just about everything on these 7 songs, and takes a hand from Iikka Saarikoski on drums. Together, they make for a fusion experience unlike anything you’ll hear anywhere else.
Travels well with: Pymlico- On This Day; Fatal Fusion- Dissonant Minds