A melting pot of cultures, languages, and sounds, Afro-Finnish band Maajo brings you the essence of dancefloor heat with their signature Afro-Balearic sound. With their third album, Water of Life, the group has meticulously woven together an amalgamation of worldly influences, from the Finnish woodlands to the African deserts to the clubs of Berlin.
From the moment you hear its opening refrain, it’s clear that Maajo are onto something special here. It’s also clear this is a group that takes pride in the nuances of their sound; each instrument has its own space but nothing ever feels crowded or chaotic. Their signature sound is groove-oriented yet lighthearted and uplifting at the same time, an explosion of color and warmth filled with colorful horns and synths, uplifting harmonies, and delicately rhythmic percussion. These songs are radiant but never predictable—each track is infused with unexpected twists and turns that keep you engaged from beginning to end. Maajo’s music possesses a curious power; listen closely enough and you’ll feel yourself drawn deeper into its mysteries.
Featuring vocals in six languages, two brand new band members and several guest artists, Water of Life truly feels like a celebration. From the hypnotic, fusion-driven opening track “Water of Life” to the eight minute long epic “Makosaa,” the album pushes Maajo’s signature sound into exciting new territory. With influences from late 80s new-age and fusion music, to modern soul, afrobeat and balearic, this diverse collection of songs is an exciting evolution for the Finnish-African band and sure to please any listener looking for a truly unique experience.
Listen/buy: Apple Music | Bandcamp | Spotify
