Aisth
Country of origin:
Finland
Type of music generally:
Evocative/eclectic ethereal ectronic pop
Status:
Most recent release, Box (digital single, 2008)
See also:
Aisth's Bandcamp site
Aisth's MySpace page
Comparisons:
Two Loons for Tea; a slightly more pop/rock lamb, more rocking than Dido or mandalay
Covers/own material:
Own
General comments:
I first discovered Aisth while browsing the old mp3.com site, back when it was a place that unknown artists could put up mp3 files for free download. I fell in love with their tracks, so went to their website, checking it periodically to see when they would release an album. They haven't so far, but they keep adding downloadable tracks there (and have the old mp3.com tracks there now) so now there's a total of 11 tracks. I normally don't like to review music when there's not a tangible disc available, but I really love their sound. Their music is catchy, and I keep playing it. It's electronic, drawing from all kinds of pop and rock influences, with interesting backing sounds (more creative and varied than the standard for this genre). Alison Doolittle has a lovely, evocative voice: at turns ethereal, sultry, moody, sweet. Lovely music. (Neile)
Recommended first album:
Box is their only official release to date
Recordings:
- Untitled collection of mp3s originally on Aisth's website (circa 1998–2005)
- Box (digital single, 2008)
Untitled collection of mp3s on their website
Release info:
circa 1998–2005—No official release
Availability:
Once, but sadly no longer, available on their website<
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended
Group members:
Alison Doolittle—vocals, lyrics & music
Jugi Kaartinen—instruments, machines & music
Comments:
I've always been reluctant to review from a website—when artists have official released music it always feels so insubstantial. But I really like this collection of tracks; they've compelled me to listen to you, and now to write about them. From the first times I heard them, these songs stuck in my head. "Box", the first one I heard, I loved from the first moment. It's catchy and mysterious, and Alison Doolittle's voice is deep and echo-y. "Empty Me" is haunting and spare. "For You" is beat-driven and dark: when She sings "I'll strike you down" in the chorus you believe her. "Four Steps to Emptiness" is sultry and dreamy. "Hold" is lively, moving from a whisper to a driving beat. "Our Space Station Dallas" is higher and more ethereal, with a spacy feel to match the song's topic. "See You" is very pop, probably the most radio-friendly of all. "Warm" is a sultry mix of ethereal and rock. "Holy Palmers" moves from the ethereal to a heavy beat (Is this one based on Romeo and Juliet?—I can't make out enough of the lyrics to tell, but the combination of the ethereal and the powerful beats is appropriate in any case). "Says" is upbeat and liquidly funky. "Pearl (Silent Queen)" is the most recent track; it's rich and hopeful-sounding. Overall, I think their music is wonderful, and highly recommend people race over their website and check them out. (Neile)
Release info:
2008—digital-only single
Availability:
Usual digital outlets
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended
Group members:
Alison Doolittle—vocals, lyrics & music
Jugi Kaartinen—instruments, machines & music
Comments:
Finally an official release by Aisth! It took me a while to adjust to the new versions of songs I was familiar with from the mp3.com and web release, but they grown on me and since this is the only way now to hear Aisth I highly recommend getting this single while you can. They're a wonderfully talented duo. Only three songs, but three lovely ones: "Box" is still catchy and mysterious in its new incarnation; "Empty Me" still haunting and spare. "Believe" is new, a lovely live improvisation. (Neile)
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