Nuspirit Helsinki - Nuspirit Helsinki

Though Nuspirit Helsinki's eponymous album begins as other nu-soul-jazz albums do -- R&B vocals, trip-hop rhythms -- it starts distinguishing itself quickly with the smooth groove of "Subzero." There’s plenty of deep soul tracks (“Trying,” “Silent Steps”) to keep even the most square dinner party hopping, but the instrumental tracks, such as the beautifully crystalline “Circular Motion,” stand out more prominently. But the real blow-away track when the first tones of “Orson” appear, followed by those inimitable strings. It’s a real stunner, layering sudden thrusts of bass with quick swirls of strings and some unobtrusive electronics. So to follow that with the middling “I Wonder (2:14 AM)” is a slight letdown, but the equally marvelous “Seis Por Ocho” redeems the album handily. A more horn-driven track, “Seis Por Ocho” thrums with energy amidst a complex wall of sound. A powerful album on the basis of those two tracks alone.