From Finland, Vimma features seven band members who are making some strong statements for environmental protection. While “vimma” means “frenzy,” their progressive folk music takes us on an adventurous sonic journey laden with evocative messages, both downers and uppers in a world that better get its act together soon while we still have options.  With lyrics written and sung by Eeva Rajakangas, the band is no doubt building themselves a legion of fans who can relate to the title cut’s references to mass extinction, microplastics and other shit hitting the fan. Their clarion call is to occupy the streets where “all contradictions cease, and in the eye of this tornado is where we want to be.” While Finnish has a pleasant, inquisitive and charismatic sound, I would’ve enjoyed hearing more vocalizing in English for greater awareness and airplay abroad, but Tornadon Silmässä’s CD booklet does include English translations of the lyrics.            

Vimma’s other musicians include  Pessi Jouste (violin), Roope Jokinen (violin), Kalle Outila (guitar, mandolin, bouzouki),  Aino Kallio  (piano, synths, harmonium, organ), Santeri Kettu (bass) and Aapo Lankinen (drums). With some rock, jazz and contemporary pop leanings, the band will turn some heads and land some big festival gigs. Vimma’s collective, cohesive sound offers dynamic changes in melody, harmony, tempo and rhythms. Upon repeated listens, I found myself focusing on some of the recurring themes in their music and messaging that left me with hope, optimism and a greater desire to do more to make the world a better place. I’m glad they opened the set with a rousing “Maailmanloppu” (The End of the World) rather than closing with it. Other featured tracks that set the stage include “Antrasiitille” (For Anthracite), “Kielot” (May Bells), and “Sateenkaari ja ilmapallo” (A Rainbow and a Balloon).

“Kasveille” (For Plants) is a sensual plea to think of these living things and their components as so much more than “superficial decorations and cosmic ornaments.” Spanning five minutes long, “Seisahdumme pieneen huoneeseen” (We Come to a Halt in a Small Room) is an interesting track that requires some reflection on a message utilizing a Finnish pun because in that language, the word for “to burn” and “to return” are the same (kaikki palaa). Eeva Rajakangas and Vimma leave us with a serious question, “Do you believe that there is still snow of spring or silence when this bedtime story ends?” I’ll remain optimistic and hope that we can still make the world a better place.        

Two bonus tracks of “Apokalypse (Maailmanloppu)” close the album in a daring, eclectic, dreamy way. Despite the word now being a popular synonym for catastrophe, its original Greek derivation is more about revelation of cosmic mysteries and the future. In a sense, Vimma’s hypnotic music serves as a means for mediation, visions and heavenly journeys enroute to a better planet. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)