KARKELO – Folk Music Album of the Year 2024!

Their melodies are distinctive, with a forcefulness to the delivery and finesse in the detail. -Martin Longley/Songlines https://www.songlines.co.uk/

Fresh and flashy Finnish folk music!

It’s rare to find a band as unified as Polenta. The combined energy of these four musicians flows like an electric current, channeling the depth of Nordic tradition, the pulse of modern folk, and the pure joy of shared music. Dancing in the footsteps of giants like JPP, Frigg, and Väsen, Polenta draws strength from the deep and vivid roots of Nordic fiddle music. Expect flashy melodies, intricately woven harmonies, and dynamic, organic rhythms – all blending into a sound that feels both timeless and daring.

“Polenta” is Finnish slang for stomping. And stomping is inevitable when their music takes hold. Polenta’s driving rhythms invite listeners to move – whether it’s tapping a foot, swaying in time, or surrendering completely to the dance floor. Polenta’s latest album Karkelo was named Folk Music Album of the Year 2024 and earned a nomination at the Emma Gala (“the Finnish Grammys”) in the Ethno of the Year category.

The four musicians of Polenta are Mikko Malmivaara (guitar), Aino Kinnunen (fiddle), Olli Sippola (five-string fiddle, mandolin) and Veera Kuisma (five-string fiddle).

Polenta’s innovative arrangements highlight the natural rhythms and lovely melodies of these traditional pieces, and their sound world extends to a grand cinematic feel, complete with angelic harmonies. -Amanda Kauranne/Finnish Music Quarterly https://kansanmusiikki-lehti.fi/