Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
Another life, we all claim it as the ultimate reset, the chance to do over from all that we have endured and perhaps taken part in, and atone in some way, or at least see Another World in which we are the hero, in which we are the true player within our story, and with that tentative but hopefully confident, step into different territory we might find a way to create an alternative version of ourselves, even if it just a slight variance in how people see and respond to us.
It is in the dedication to re-invention but keeping the soul firmly in its place of openness and willingness and being unafraid to show love to the faithful that Erja Lyytinen finds Another World the ultimate destination of spiritual growth and ideas. The sense of the curious and intrepid hovering within the sphere of music prowess that she has always shown to her audience, now reaching a new boundary of expedition, guided perhaps by noble explorers who seek adventure but never forget the humble beginnings they first emerged from.
An artist who does not reinvent along the way perhaps has no right to complain when the public tells them they are no longer enamoured with the rut they have been ploughing, fresh ground after all needs to be broken when planting new seeds, the genesis of success only begins when the original is forthcoming and in Another World that is the sense that we are keeping moving, discovering new avenues, finding paths that were once blocked are now open and welcoming the intrepid to witness the possibility and hopefully engage.
For European Blues Award Winner, Erja Lyytinen, it is not just a case of having guts, of being brave in the face of those who would see her remain tied to a consistent view, but of demanding of her own soul that she puts her trust in her mind, her own application and desires and it is one that is nothing but fruitful as Another World gets underneath the skin of the listener and enthuses the realm of the steady but constant transformation.
Across songs such as Snake In The Grass, Hard as Stone, Wedding Day, the ache of Break My Heart Gently and the album title track, Another World, the Finnish guitarist breaks exciting new ground whilst staying true to her convictions and musical faith; a sound of pleasure as the sun rises on this, Another World.
Erja Lyytinen releases Another World via Tuohi Records on Friday 26th April.
Ian D. Hall