London Folk Magazine and News

Album Review - Trad.Attack!: ´Bring It On´

‘Bring It On’, the latest release from Estonian band Trad.Attack!, is a fascinating contemporary take on Estonian village folk music.

With heavy electronic influences, combined with traditional folk instruments and melodies, the Trad.Attack! trio of Sandra Vabarna, Jalmar Vabarna and Tõnu Tubli weave together a huge sound destined for a big stage!

Powerful and dynamic, I love the diversity within this album. Whether you want heavy big hitters, or soothing lullabies, there is something for everyone. Personally, some of the slower and more sparsely arranged tracks were my favourite to listen to. In these the haunting elements of the voices really transcend. However, I would love to experience the heavier numbers at a late-night festival set.

The tracks are sung in an impressive range of languages and dialects and utilize a wealth of traditional instruments, including Estonian bagpipe and mouth harp, to name but a few! They have also invited a list of featured artists who all bring their own talents and influences, including Estonian guitarist Laur Joamets who has recorded and toured with American country music star Sturgill Simpson, Yemen Blues co-founder and vocalist Ravid Kahalani, and Juno Award-recipients from Canada The East Pointers. Also featuring on the album are Estonian Seto Leelo singers, a singing tradition that was declared an UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009 and Estonian bassist Martin Laksberg. The inclusion of the Iberi Choir (a Georgian choir formed in 2012) is particularly beautiful.

Trad.Attack! are certainly not a band lacking in ambition. Having already toured extensively, their dream is to take their innovative Estonian folk powerhouse to every country in the world. Definitely try to catch them live when they come to visit you!