Proletarian / Inspired Machine (Wigwam, 1974)

Wigwam are the most represented Finnish band in my blog and I think they deserve it. This two strictly connected tracks open one of their best albums, "Being", and they feature all the open-minded and unpredictable mood of such a seminal work. Written by Jukka Gustavson, they're keyboard based and lively ballads mostly exploiting the same theme but with different tempos.

I'm also fond of Wigwam's peculiar taste when it comes to covers.

 

I appreciate the brave choice of unusual chords and melodies, floating on a musical seesaw, swaying between slightly dissonant harmonies and more traditional prog folk paths. There's a stunning balance in this mini-suite, that's never too experimental and never too mainstream, leading the listener through mixed moods and colourful landscapes. I guess that's why I come back to it from time to time and each time I'm as pleased as I was in the first place.

En aio paeta (Wigwam, 1969)

No doubt Procol Harum played a central role in defining what we call today proto-prog. And they influenced so many bands all around the planet. Finnish Wigwam also started their huge career including two or three Procol-shaped songs in their debut album. This "En aio paeta" ("I'm not going to escape", more or less) is a good example of their proto-prog period and also a good song. The finnish lyrics add an exotic mood to the track and the piano plus organ arrangement is essential and effective.

Wigwam's first studio album was called "Hard n' Horny"...

 

A vague folk inspiration and the well released vocal harmonies underline the pastoral atmosphere and I especially like Matts Huldén's bass line, so warm and neat. Some say those old songs are just archaeological curiosities, but when I listen to this plain and short composition I wonder how many glorified current bands could give me as strong emotions as "En aio paeta" does in its three minutes or so of old, charming poetry.

Lost without a Trace (Wigwam, 1971)

One of the shortest tracks in this collection - just 2'29" - and one of the sweetest and warmest ballads I've ever listened to. The Finnish band Wigwam was one of the first non-Briton bands to release fully progressive albums between 1970 and 1971 and they're worth more than a single listening. This "Lost without a Trace" from their third album "Fairyport" isn't among their most celebrated songs, but I'm charmed by its muffled atmosphere and the effective, simple arrangement including piano and acoustic guitar.

Wigwam's line up circa "Fairyport" era.

When I need a little rest I put on this track and I'm gently carried away in an old and cosy drawing room, in a winter fadind day, warmed by a lively fire. The melody is really beautiful, Jukka Gustavson's voice is pleasant and sensitive and after all nothing so complicated than setting up a plain song. I highly recommend this after a progressive epic track...