Ambient electronic concept act PIHKA IS MY NAME really impressed us with their debut release, “Everything is In Between,” so when their sophomore release, “Caller Unknown,” was announced, we were certainly excited to hear about it! The lost imaginary friend, Pihka, returns again to take us on another journey, so we were naturally excited to join once more! This independent release is out on September 22nd, 2023!
If the first album felt like the emotional journey of a curious imaginary friend, “Caller Unknown” feels a bit like it has brought the band members’ personalities a bit more into the mix. The album opens on a rather tiptoeing note with “Station in Flames,” which has a really gentle build-up into a soft, catchy house music intro sound. This continues with “Valid Sync,” which adds some lyrics into the mix, which feel like a blend of both Henna and Lasse‘s voices to create an interesting effect. In fact, the vocal inclusion is the only notable signal to let the listener know that the song has changed. The music is once again soft and gentle, with a dreamy quality to it and a nice bass line, creating a modern yet mystical effect, with a bit more of a radio-friendly feel.
Next up, “Priority Class” shows off some bird sounds as a slightly funky tune sets in, with effects that immediately brought to mind the fantastic OST to the video game, Fez. However, this similarity is only slight, as the song has a shifty feel, as though the music is slipping on the ice of itself. It has a funky, electronic build-up and might sneak under your radar if you’re not paying full attention, so don’t let that happen! “I Exist” is an interesting instrumental track, a bit more quick-tempo at the beginning, with nice little details added throughout for spice and texture, though it slows down a touch as it progresses, with some deep, lurking parts as well.
One of the more recent singles, “Exponential Potential,” is an immediate highlight, with its twisted/haunted commercial jingle -feel. The soft, sweetness stays ever-present, yet there is something rather ominous in the vibe – perhaps they are probing at commercialism again? Also, those reminiscent sounds from Fez are also present in here, which is always a good thing.
“Caller Unknown” has an almost dirty little groove to it, with some deeper sounds, but a moderate pace that reminds me of the folks dancing at Kosmos Festival… man, it would be cool to see these guys performing there! There’s also a bit of industrial flare in there as well, with vocal bits adding more for flavor, rather than direct lyrics. “Reaching for the Out of Reach” is another single – it seems most of the songs with actual vocals were singles, and for good reason! This song trades between Lasse on main vocals in the verses, with Henna more prominent in the chorus, and the vocal harmonization and blending between the two of them is always exceptional.
“Somewhere Nowhere” has some moments early on that feel as though they call back to the title track off “Everything Is in Between,” but moves on stylistically into its own realms, with some vocals in the mix once more. This is again a little bit more up-tempo song, though the album on the whole is fairly consistent in its pacing, without too many big shifts. The final track, “You Exist,” has slightly darker and more ominous tones in the beginning, feeling lightly chaotic in vibe without being remotely overdone musically, and works as a bit of a progressive finale to the album, clocking in at over 8 minutes in length. It brings the album to a powerful, yet peaceful close.
“Caller Unknown” is a really gentle, ambient, mysterious release, that you could easily put on as background music, actively listen to, or put on during an all-night dance party. It’s not quite as musically or stylistically varied as its predecessor, with a more consistent sound, feeling less like a journey and more like an experience. It’s perhaps less storied on the whole, with Lasse and Henna‘s own flares as prominent as the influence of Pihka herself, whereas Pihka was very much the star of the first album. It’s very easy to get lost in this release and lose track of where one song ends and the next begins, creating an overall very pleasant atmospheric soundscape, while songs with more lyrics then punch up the engagement at stand-out moments. It’s a really well-crafted release and if you like electronic/house music, ambient soundscapes, or feel-good instrumentals, this is a must-catch release this year!
Written by Bear Wiseman
Tracklist
- Station in Flames
- Valid Sync
- Priority Class
- I Exist
- Exponential Potential
- Caller Unknown
- Reaching for the Out of Reach
- Somewhere Nowhere
- You Exist
Lineup
Henna Helasvuo
Lasse Turunen
Label
Independent
