PHARDAH Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Comprised of saxophonist Sami Pekkola, double bassist Eero Tikkanen, electric guitarist Topias Tiheasalo and drummer Veeti Hietala, a young talent steeped in the country's experimental tradition, Phardah are a fresh yet seasoned ensemble from Finland who merge free azz with a psychedelic edge. Their debut release captures the energy of their raw, collective musicianship. Recorded by Teemu Markkula of Death Hawks, the band channels an expansive and free-spirited sound that swings between intense improvisation and nuanced composition. From the opening moments, the tracks allow the music to breathe, and the group explores vast sonic landscapes, where Tiheasalo's intricate guitar work steers the flow, aided by the groovy, pulsing rhythm section. The material showcases Phardah's signature balance of abstraction and clarity. The music flows with organic ease, moving from frenetic bursts to meditative grooves. Side B in particular elevates this fluidity, as the band captures an otherworldly energy, blending improvisational chaos with deliberate structure. Markkula's mix enhances the sense of vast space in the recordings, allowing each instrument to be fully heard while maintaining the group's united, bold sound. Phardah's live energy, first ignited at the 2023 Odysseus Festival, is palpable, and their sound resonates deeply with the spirit of Free Jazz, evoking both a sense of chaos and catharsis. Their debut serves as a striking introduction to a band that thrives in the moment and pushes musical boundaries.