Frigg

To call Frigg an extension of JPP is true — but it's also a statement that doesn't do them justice. Yes, three members are related to JPP members, JPP's Timo Alakotila produced their record, and they use a similar massed fiddle lineup. But add a pair of Norwegian hardanger fiddles and some Dobro from guitarist Tuomas Logrén, and you have an interesting mix of sounds that extends far beyond the JPP roots. There's an obvious liking for American roots music, as with "Ril," which could almost be old-timey, or "Ruunankummi," where the Dobro really takes over. But they certainly don't forget where they're from, as on "Eräänä Kauniina Päivänä," with its aching melody and plenty of space. That alone would be enough to suggest Frigg as a band with a large future. Married to the rest of the album, there's absolutely no doubt about it.