Local Warming
As if there isn't enough irony in the world, one of the world's most consistently inspired revivalists of (predominantly) American instrumental and surf rock continues to be Finland's own Laika and the Cosmonauts. Returning here after a multi-year recording hiatus, founders Mikko Lankinen (guitar) and Janne Haavisto (drums) and company ably prove that while their musical tastes still run to an early 60's musical pantheon that spans theVentures,Tornadoes, and even a littleMondo Cane, they've kept their ears open to some refreshing contemporary influences, too. Purists may be jarred by the thrashing bass 'n' slashing power chords of "Rikki on the Loose" and "Mr. Melee," the sampled loops of "Harkoosh," and occasionally jazzy motifs (courtesy of keyboardist Matti Pinsiki) that are daringlySteely Dan-ish, especially in this context. But it's all delivered with an expansive spirit of adventure that crucially never loses its tasteful sense of history, even as it forcefully blows a few cobwebs from the twang-centric instrumental rock repertoire.  --Jerry McCulley