Fantastic Planet Records (label)
26 February 2016 (released)
24 May 2016
Breezy beats and summertime wisdom permeate this seven track LP from Estonia’s Tehnoloogiline Päike.
Don’t let the name intimidate you, these Estonian synth-pop wizards make the kind of sparkling, dance-able tunes that would be right at home during the sun drenched afternoons of the indie festival circuit. Their name translates to ‘Technological Sun’, the formal title of this year’s release, their third studio album. A title which perfectly describes this collection of easy going, yet technically lush tracks. Initiated in 2004 by founder Evar Anvelt, the group has since welcomed Mihkel Kõrvits with whom they made their 2012 album which would go on to win their country’s ‘Electronic Album of the Year’. Last year saw them include the vocal talents of angelic pop singer Hannaliisa Uusma to the group.
Album opener, ‘This Means War’ sails in with a lofty flute, singing bowls and marching band drums. The allusion to war is more of the pomp and circumstance than the blood and guts of it. Vocals make their first appearance on the album in lead single ‘Breaking it’, a blend of Django Django and Underworld’s spacey deliveries. The doubled lines drive steadily over a stuttered drum line, darting sub bass and twinkling keys. The song is dripping with the feeling of a summer well spent.
The warm elven voice of Hannaliisa Uusma makes it’s first appearance halfway through the album on ‘If I Just Die’ a paradoxically playful number. Her welcoming, airy voice chants “Everything is in your heart/Nothing really falls apart” in this light, romantic ditty.
The album’s B-side parts with the verse-chorus-verse format to allow the songs to inhabit your subconscious. Uusma’s vocals become more sparse, giving the songs a subtle, warm glow. Penultimate piece, ‘Exit’ takes a decidedly eastern turn, making for a fascinating mixing of eurozone tones and arabic melodies. Album closer ‘Remember Me’ is a wistful end to a summer romance,
Technological Sun was a pleasant surprise to a reviewer who is admittedly underexposed to music coming from the former Eastern Bloc. These Estonians have crafted a spry yet thoughtful album that successfully bottles up an essence, a time and a place. My only wish is that Uusma’s serene voice would have found it’s way on to more tracks. 4 stars isn’t quite enough, I’d go 4 1/2.
