Bringing to life the story of an event that changed the course of Finland's 1918 civil war, taking listeners on a narrative journey of haunting beauty and power presented through a layering of chamber composition and improvisation, from the duo of Pepa Paivinen performing on flutes, woodwinds & Seagull Merlin dulcimer and drummer/percussionist Jussi Miettola.
"Using classic instruments and simple composition, Pepa Päivinen and Jussi Miettola illuminate a story from their national history, bringing to life a story set in the deep of Scandinavian winter. A thrilling, and ultimately tragic, recounting of Finland's 1918 civil war is brought to life by Woodwinds, Flutes, Seagull Merlin, Voice and Percussion. On "Personal Breath," Päivinen's layered melodies take center stage as lush instrumental overlays, inspiring emotion and building tension that's released in the album's natural arc.
In the artist's words, the project emulates a "warm breath on a cold winter day," an overwhelmingly human feeling in Finland's harsh invernal climate. The music is largely inspired by the play Veriruusut (Bloodroses) KOM-theatre (Helsinki), about a Finnish Red Guard company, 36 women aged 15-23 years old who were caught and shot by the White Guard without trial on January 5, 1918. It was an event that changed the course of the war, involving the destiny of these women with that of a nation-and beautifully retold through rich baritones, whistling flutes and tempered percussion."-Orbit577