AELDFIRE
Elements
Philippe Cousin
For once, let’s welcome some Finnish musicians to this column. Aeldfire was formed through the collaboration of singer Salla Rimmi and musician Niilo Sirola (bouzouki, guitar, banjo, mandolin and bodhrán), who played and composed together for over ten years as part of the Finnish Celtic folk rock band Greenrose Faire.
When the band went on hiatus, the duo continued their musical journey, performing traditional Irish music arranged in their own style, crafting a new sound and naming it Aeldfire. For them, Aeldfire is the essence of all fires. It is the eternal flame that burns within each of us, and which is sometimes found in nature. A flame that guides us and gives us strength whilst purifying and soothing the spirit.
Elements is the band’s first album. Or rather, an EP, as it contains only four tracks. Aeldfire closely blends the Celtic soul, Nordic rusticity and a form of melodic pop to create music that is both delicate and joyful.
Carried by Salla’s warm vocals and Niilo’s rich instrumentation, the band’s sound is enhanced by the contributions of three guest musicians: Ilkka Niemi on violin, Raphaël Pinel on accordion and whistle, and Markus Asunta on flute. Blending the acoustic roots of Celtic and Nordic folk with the melodic clarity of pop, and adding, here and there, a few drops of bluegrass rhythm, Aeldfire offers us authentic music. The songs tell stories of love, hope, nature, resilience and the wonders of life. Elements is a beautiful journey into a completely new and original sound.
OOB Records OOB25076 - www.aeldfire.com