With six albums under his belt thus far, Dunkel has been celebrated as one the most proficient Finnish jazz musicians since the 1990s. In addition to his own projects, Dunkel has collaborated with groups such as UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra, Jukka Perko & Hurmio-orkesteri and Platypus Ensemble and performed together with the likes of Paul Jackson, Rick Margitza, Eric Truffaz and Kenny Wheeler.
At first glance, PVA are a rather classic trio: synth, guitar, drums, a girl and a boy (Ella Harris and Josh Baxter) sharing the microphone. The Londoners made their mark in 2019 with ‘Divine Intervention’, a single that offered an updated take on new wave and caught the ear of Ninja Tune. The prestigious English label gave the group complete freedom for their 2020 EP, Toner, released on the label’s Big Dada imprint and carried by lead track ‘Talks’ which was splendidly remixed (twice) by Mura Masa. With this first album, BLUSH, PVA have the opportunity to clarify an identity that currently floats somewhere between post-punk, acid house and industrial, but is clearly nostalgic for the 80s and 90s.
Roine Stolt's voice is strong, full, passionate, and delightfully accented. The Flower Kings' lyrics are heady, compelling, and hook city. The guitar work is extremely melodic and rates right up there with anything Brian May or David Gilmour has offered. Stolt is expertly meshed in this band with brother Michael on bass and voice. Tomas Bodin excels on Hammond organ, Mellotron, piano, and flute…