Finnskogen is a Kristiansand, Norway-based psych-infused prog rock band that plays music inspired by artists like Camel, Yes, Høst, Bo Hansson, Dungen, and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard. The group released its debut record, Flora, on April 30th, a dreamy mix of psychedelic tunes.
The band takes its name from a vast forest in Norway home to mysterious Finns who have lived as outcasts deep in the woods for generations. Finnskogen took the name a few years back when they decided to turn their attention toward these dark woods’ peaceful but sinister nature.
All the tracks on Flora are named after plants native to the Finnskogen forest, meticulously chosen to represent the feeling tone of each song. For example, “Blåveis” (Hepatica nobilis) is also what Norwegians call “a black eye.”
“Bulmeurt” (English; Henbane) is a poisonous herb with psychoactive properties whose seeds can lay in the soil for hundreds of years before shooting, thus being “pregnant with mischief,” as the lyrics say in Norwegian.
As the title suggests, “Lakrisrot” (Liquorice Root) is sweet but bitter and can cause high blood pressure if ingested too eagerly. The band leaves the remaining titles to be pondered and disputed.
Musically, Flora is a relaxing psych experience that borders on dream pop. It’s like taking a tab of acid and venturing into the band’s mysterious forest, enjoying the lysergic calm but keeping an eye out for danger. The record’s surreal tones conjure the mystical landscapes of their homeland, packed with ethereal sounds and a hazy ambiance. Expect shimmering synths, reverb-drenched guitars, and whispered vocals that create an atmosphere of mystery and wonder.
What ancient secrets lie in Finnskogen? Many of us will never personally know the answer, but the band’s sonic exploration through the dark paths under the tree canopies of Norway gives us a hint.
Fans of dream pop/shoegaze bands like Beach House, Loma, and Mazzy Star should dig this one. But the record also has enough harder-driving sections to appeal to prog-rock enthusiasts, too. Take a journey into the heart of the woods with the sonically and emotionally rich Flora.
Check out Flora by Finnskogen on Bandcamp here.
You can support Finnskogen by finding them on Bandcamp and Instagram.
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