Auri, the Finnish trio formed by Johanna Kurkela (vocals), Tuomas Holopainen (keyboards and primary composition), and Troy Donockley (multi-instrumentalist), releases their third studio album, III – Candles & Beginnings.
Holopainen and Donockley are known for their work with Nightwish, and together with Kurkela, who is celebrated solo singer and Holopainen’s wife, they craft a dreamy work brimming with fantasy and deep emotion. This time, the trio is joined by another Nightwish member, Kai Hahto, on drums.
For those unfamiliar with Auri, the trio formed in the last decade as a side project for its three members, releasing their debut album in 2018. Their name is inspired by a character from The Kingkiller Chronicle novel series, Auri, a beloved and special figure among readers, including Holopainen, an avid fan of the series.
Auri’s music stands in stark contrast to the sounds its members typically produce, particularly Nightwish’s metal style. It centers on what could be described as progressive folk, with influences from Celtic music, classical, rock, and cinematic soundtracks.
III – Candles & Beginnings delivers a new collection of immersive sonic worlds that evoke feelings of enchantment and wonder. This time, several tracks feature extended instrumental passages with an ambient sound, at times reminiscent of Vangelis, interwoven with Auri’s signature elements.
I must say, at times, the album can feel somewhat tedious, as it moves quite slowly, particularly due to the inclusion of ambient sections. A clear example is the closing track, A Boy Traveling With His Mother, which, at 11 minutes long, could have benefited from tighter editing.
Patience is required to fully appreciate the dense material here, rich with details and surprises for those who listen closely and attentively. These listeners will find themselves suddenly enveloped by Auri’s emotive depth, the atmosphere of their music, and Johanna Kurkela’s captivating voice.
The songs blend a wide array of instruments, including pianos, violins, flutes, bagpipes, acoustic and electric guitars, choral arrangements, drums, percussion, and synthesizers, which seem to merge in a symbiotic musicality. More than mere songs, they create a mystical celebration of overwhelming emotional intensity.
Certain moments call to mind the music of Danny Elfman, as in one of the standout tracks, Oh, Lovely Oddities, which at times echoes the soundtrack of The Nightmare Before Christmas. This makes sense, given Holopainen’s admiration for Elfman and film scores.
One of my favorite tracks is Museum of Childhood, with its percussive, playful rhythm that conveys a sense of magic.
In a world saturated with imitation and commercial music, it’s refreshing to encounter bands like Auri, creating from their own musical bubble, unconcerned with trends or commercial pressures.
There’s no doubt that Holopainen and company have produced a top-tier album. If their first two records were about exploring their sound, with III – Candles & Beginnings, it seems they have solidified it.
