Album of the Week : Diskreetse Mango Trio : Prigadi-Pragadi

Diskreetse Mango Trio are a 9-piece Estonian folk band who play “mainly runo-songs, in the key of rock.”

For those who’ve heard of Estonia, but aren’t quite sure where it is (like I was), it’s an independant country just across from Finland – they’re separated by the Gulf of Finland.

They received the Estonian Music Award 2007 as Ethno/Folk Act of the Year and it’s not hard to see why! Their tracks are all very powerful, most are upbeat and with 4 singers, the vocal lines are strong and lush.

The opening track of the album – Prigadi-Pragadi – starts off with Electric Guitar and Drums letting you know exactly what’s in store from this vibrant band. Many of the tracks have a similar, danceable beat and driving rhythm.

Must naine introduces the Jaws Harp which sounds great and breaks up the texture. Õhtu-ilu features a beautiful Violin introduction and gorgeous vocal line.

The album rocks out at the end with Valge jänes (though there’s a hidden-track later on called Taat, ära maga with a subtle arrangement which seems to move in and out of a few time signatures).

I found the music somewhat similar to two of my favourite bands – Värttinä and Garmana – so if you enjoy those bands, you’d certainly enjoy Diskreetse Mango Trio.

Nigel McLaughlin, www.worldmusicworld.com