We’re Listening with EMW: “Make Your Move” by Trad.Attack!

VINCENT TEETSOV

Trad.Attack!’s latest album “Make Your Move” is an exploding box of high energy spirits that will proceed to come out and talk with you before sending you along your merry way.

From the first track “Rikas sittus”, a pounding groove and jagged guitar take listeners to new places in the trio’s journey. By the end of the album, you will be overwhelmed by the sheer force of the music they create, with a push and pull that will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

This is Trad.Attack!’s most vigorous release to date, and definitely one that you should listen to with a bit of extra volume. In fact, you might want to do some physical activity while listening, to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere. Their previous EP and two albums have demonstrated their ability to capture magic as it ebbs and flows in our terrestrial existence. Their music has been characterized by the use of archival recordings, especially of rhyming, rhythmic regilaulud. And while these traditional folk songs still play a role in “Make Your Move”, this album has an especially fresh, participatory quality to it, that encourages us to press forward with the strength we receive from those ancient compositions. With all of this extra energy, it truly feels like a call to leap, act, and yes – move.

Trad.Attack! have fused more and more experimental production techniques into their tracks, and it’s a treat to see them deliver that without compromise. Like the pitch-bending vocals on “Tehke ruumi.” Or how the song “Pass-pass” projects Sandra Vabarna’s voice around the mix like you’re falling through the music. There’s an intriguing progression of drum patterns in these compositions, too, from shuttering hip hop beats in “Vanamees” to Tõnu Tubli’s “in the pocket” grooves on “Haned-luiged.” There’s even a tropical-sounding drum fill on “Miks te ei laula?” (“Why Aren’t You Singing?”). From a production perspective, the musical space is full and has a lot to examine upon further listens.

In terms of voices, we are given further access to the collective voice of the band. We hear more from Jalmar Vabarna, whose messenger voice calls for us to join in throughout the album. Then, with “Varesele valu”, Jalmar, Sandra, and Tõnu thunder in true punk rock form. Sandra yells out in a warrior’s voice, and yelling echoes back, all while Tõnu drums through relentlessly, empowering our movements.

So then, it’s welcome when we are given time to pause and regroup. Instruments like the bright strings of “Kus mu süda on?” give us moments of meditation. “Armasta mind”, which features Vaiko Eplik’s tender vocals and Tõnu Tubli’s sensitively melodic trombone playing is the most singular song of the album. It has a floating, round dynamic that has echoes of Kings of Convenience and Sigur Rós.

“Tehke ruumi!” is a standout track for me on this album, for its airy, crisp ambiance. Just like the song’s music video, it creates a vision of shaking out the dust and detritus of a closed up old house. Change can be extremely trying on all of us, but in the end, it’s right to move ahead. There’s an accomplished soaring sensation in this song that speaks to the sincere desire of young people to respect what came before them while making their own mark.

“Siberi unelaul” (“Siberian Dream Song”), the last song, lets the listener go, like you are floating to Valhalla. It has a sad but reassuring tone, as we know that we are on the right path. The chanting vocals whisp away and from a distance you can hear the hammering of shields on the ground. The biggest takeaway from this album is its warrior spirit and ancestral energy.

The trio have crafted an LP that brings the Estonian musical renaissance of the 21st century to new heights. It’s going to make an impact on live shows, too, no doubt. It deserves a stadium packed full of people, to rattle and roar in unison. I could 100% imagine Trad. Attack! sharing a show with Canadian artists like A Tribe Called Red. They both share a powerful, triumphant energy, for all listeners to benefit from.

•••

The Estonian and Canadian music scenes are forces to be reckoned with on the global stage, which is why Estonian Music Week has been so keen to bring together talent from both sides of the Atlantic. Attending the concerts of Estonians visiting Canada is a big part of enabling them to keep making great music like this album. Be sure to follow Estonian Music Week on Instagram and Facebook to keep tabs on the latest concerts and releases from artists like Trad.Attack!