Photo: Tero Ahonen
Helsinki based trio VIRTA (which means ”stream”, or ”electrical current” in Finnish) has crafted a distinct sonic identity that fuses elements of progressive rock, experimental sounds, and atmospheric textures, resulting in a captivating and immersive musical experience that transcends genres. With their mesmerizing live performances and critically acclaimed releases, VIRTA has garnered a devoted following both in their native Finland and internationally.
Having just released their third album Horros upon the world via Svart Records,we thought it was about time we found out more about what makes them tick, so we asked them to pick the three albums that were influential on their new LP.
Kenji Kawai – Ghost in the Shell OST (chosen by Antti)
Between the years 2018 to 2021 I was really addicted to this movie (the original anime). The atmosphere of it is something magical that resonates in me really hard. Those were the years we we’re on crossroads, finding out how we could level up the music we make with the band. I can’t tell if you can hear Kenji Kawais influences on Horros, but I definitely wished that some day I could do something as majestic and timeless as what he did with this musical masterpiece.
Moskus – Ulv Ulv (chosen by Erik)
It’s a long-time favourite of mine, but it sort of had a renaissance on my playlist during the pandemic and we started to make new music. I love how natural and unforced the group makes the improvisations sound like. There’s lots of space and freedom in the music, but still all the tunes have strong characteristics.
Bon Iver – i, i (chosen by Heikki)
When I’m listening to this album, I’m always mesmerized how they’ve managed to combine such unconventional song structures and complex soundscapes to singable melodies and beautiful harmonies. There are a lot of acoustic and electronic elements to deal with, but arrangements still have so much air and music breathes really naturally. The sonic architecture of this album thrills me every time I hear this music and it has been a huge source of inspiration to me during past years.
VIRTA are: Antti Hevosmaa (electronics, flugelhorn, trumpet, vocals), Erik Fräki (electronics, drums, percussion, vocals) and Heikki Selamo (bass, electronics, guitar, lap steel, vocals).
HORROS was released on October 6 2023 via Svart Records and can be purchased and downloaded HERE.
