Onségen Ensemble is a Finnish progressive collective. It consists of a permanent core, joined by different musicians on each release. As a result, every album features different voices, instruments and perspectives. This is also the case on ‘A Tale’, their fifth album; what remains consistent are the intuitive sounds. This thematic album is about peace. Parts of the (wordless) vocals sound dreamy or sweet; at these moments, the music is usually calm.
Furthermore, the tracks sometimes have a spiritual sound, creating a laid-back hippie atmosphere. This feeling is heightened when you get the idea that you’re listening to singing bowls. At other times, the instrumental pieces in particular are a bit louder and faster, and there are quite a lot of repetitions. On the one hand, this can get you into a flow; on the other, the repetitions are a bit excessive. Occasionally, the sound is ‘muddy’, which means the unique combination of musical instruments and/or vocals doesn’t come across quite as well.
‘A Tale’ doesn’t manage to hold my attention consistently. Nevertheless, it features a wide variety of instruments, and there are some unusual blends of sounds.
(64/100) (Karisma Records)
Tracklist:
01 – Garden of Celestials
02 – To be Led by the Lost
03 – A Thought
04 – The Word
05 – Oldest Father
06 – The First Casualty
07 – Crystal Waters of Spring