Polenta - Matkaaja (2026) [Hi-Res]

The Finnish folk quartet Polenta, comprised of Sibelius Academy graduates, has released their third long player, "Matkaaja." The recording features instrumental compositions rooted in Nordic, Polish, and Scottish folk traditions, bearing stylistic resemblances to American "old-time" music. The release spans a diverse emotional range, from spirited, danceable tracks to profound, melancholic pieces that evoke themes of grief and pilgrimage. The album highlights the ensemble's adeptness at reinterpreting authentic folk traditions with technical precision and emotive depth.

Polenta is:
Aino Kinnunen - violin, glockenspiel (4)
Mikko Malmivaara - guitar, baritone guitar
Olli Sippola - 5-string violin, mandolin
Veera Kuisma - 5-string violin,
harmonium (6, 7, 9), piano (4)



Tracklist:
1-1 Polenta - Sankaripolska [3:35]
1-2 Polenta - Highway Home [4:33]
1-3 Polenta - Isfabriken [4:38]
1-4 Polenta - Suru puserossa [3:44]
1-5 Polenta - Matkaaja [4:25]
1-6 Polenta - Valse Carassius [3:41]
1-7 Polenta - Polka Quarantine [3:09]
1-8 Polenta - Längtan till Ransäter [2:11]
1-9 Polenta - Kokoo koko kokko [4:42]
1-10 Polenta - Kynttilä [5:54]