Bring It On
Self-Released, 2023
9/10
The powerful Estonia trio of Sandra Vabarna, Jalmar Vabarna and Tõnu Tubli, as Trad.Attack! they bring along some excellent guests for these Estonian folklore tunes that makes great use of electronica, programmed beats and plenty of pop moments, too.
“Lase Käia (Bring It On)” opens the listen with atmospheric synth and thundering drumming in the arena ready pop-rock explosion that welcomes Laur Joamets’ muscular guitar work, and “Keera (Spin It)” follows with a charming dreaminess that showcases the Seto dialect in the textured melodies.
Elsewhere, the soft beats and cozy guitar of “Maka (Sleep)” makes for a stirring intimacy, while “Öelge Sõnnu (Say Some Words)” spotlights guest vocalist Ravid Kahalani amid the Yemeni Arabic nods that thumps with a lively club friendly appeal.
Near to the end, “Kiigelaul (The Swing Song)” showcases the polyphonic Iberi choir, is performed by Vabarna and is quite intimate and gentle, and “Püksata Magama (Going To Bed Without Trousers)”exits with much focus on mood in the playful and breezy finish.
A very animated listen that comes with delicate moments, too, the trio make for a distinct version of pop that’s stylish, steeped in the heritage of their home country and is truly in a genre all its own.
Travels well with: Esbe- I Might Be Dreaming; Roopa Panesar- ATMA