The present-day flagship of Finnish progressive rock sails back in time to the authentic tones and soundscapes of the 1970s on Sammal's latest EP, No 2. Sammal relies on playing live in the studio, which brings the listener closer to the band.

Three of the five songs featured on the EP are old demo songs, which were re-recorded at the same session with a new track 'Vankina Varisten' and a cover of Aphrodite’s Child’s 'Magic Mirror', translated as 'Peilin Taikaa', in the summer of 2013.

In style, musically there is nothing new, exciting or individual about Sammal. Their formulaic delivery of tired old cliches won't impress hardcore rock fans.

But then what do I know? Their eponymous debut was voted as the 9th best Finnish album of 2013 by the critics of Rumba, a renowned Finnish rock and pop magazine.

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Nick Smithson