Meritie

This is Islaja's debut, originally released in 2004. Islaja might well be a forgotten islet somewhere or a name of a courageous sword-swinging heroine in a forgotten fable. For certain, Islaja is a young woman that has sang and played an album full of heart-rending, intimate music. On Meritie, Islaja whispers in a fever and sings an Oriental monkey. At times, it is impossible to tell where the sounds are coming from. The variety of instruments is vast, but all have their space. Islaja has exceptional sense of harmony that alone makes the album a magical listening experience. The voice of Islaja sounds bravely over the screaming, crazed seagulls. It is stunningly honest. This is a great victory in these times of sadness.