by Steven McDonald

First released in Finland in a slightly different form, Loituma's Things of Beauty is the initial release from this Finnish quartet. Their specialty is the kantele, a Finnish harp, and they use this both in instrumental pieces and in multi-layered vocal arrangements. The music ranges from the lively interpretations of Finnish folk music to haunting pieces about mysterious marsh land. A light, sweet album that well deserves the attention NorthSide is providing.