Formed in 2014, Samoaja are a four-piece ‘Landscape Pop’ band from Finland. Musically, the group blend Nordic soundscapes with a modern folk sensibility and haunting melodies. It all makes for a sound that is high on the atmospherics and ambience.
Earlier this month, Samoaja kicked off 2020 with the release of their new single, “Their Sons and Daughters”. Taken from their forthcoming sophomore album Abyss, the track really highlights the atmospheric and haunting nature of their sound. Clocking in at close to five minutes, the track is quite measured and considered in its delivery, which along with the vocals, only adds to its poignancy.
According to the songwriter Viktori Pesonen, the single was inspired by a visit to a holy temple in Kathmandu. ”I watched a body burn in the holy temple of Pashupatinath in Kathmandu. The smell of that place was a mixture of animal faeces, burning bodies and thousands of incenses. There was also a funeral by the river. It was an unforgettable moment.”
That sense of the spiritual comes through strong, with the plaintive whistling and almost chant-like harmonies. Though it is mediative and haunting, amongst it all, there is still a sense of peacefulness and hope too. It’s a beautiful and moving track, and I can’t wait to hear more from the band.
“Their Sons and Daughters” is available now. Their sophomore album Abyss is set for release in March. You can find Samoaja on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and via their Official Site.
Header Image: Jussi Rekiaro
