Neo-zombie-post-folk Estonian duo Puuluup returns to Hamilton's favourite live music venue, the Cotton Factory!
Buy your ticket here.
Mix a pinch of surrealism with modern folklore, resurrect the ancient talharpa (bowed lyre)— then blend through loopers and effects boxes… top with melodic improvisation, quirky lyrics in a few languages, even made-up ones! Add humour, charm and wit, infuse with a panorama of musical traditions from around the world, and there you have it — eccentric folk-fusion duo Puuluup — Ramo Teder (Pastacas as a solo artist) and Marko Veisson.
The talharpa, also known as the Hiiu kannel or Finnish jouhikko, is a bowed lyre, popular in Northern Europe since the early middle ages, and was played on Western Estonian islands until the beginning of 20th century. Puuluup maintains the natural sound of this four-stringed horse-hair, box-like instrument with bowing and plucking while playfully layering percussion with taps, knocks and rhythms electronically amplified.
Ramo Teder - talharpa, vocal, looper, effects
Marko Veisson - talharpa, vocal, effects
“Another highlight from the early days of the festival was a traditional hiiu kannel duo Puuluup, who combined playing and plucking the ancient harp instrument with loop pedals, electrifying and adding percussive elements, with harmonic singing and a lively serving of humour and wit. Whilst on one hand classical, traditional, sincere and serious, they played not only with the instruments, but with the audience as they sent laughter throughout during the moments between songs. Upon completion of their intense, classical-sounding opening track, they said after the applause died down: “Thank you, this song was about…skiing”. After a round of laughter: “ No, seriously, a lot of our songs are about sports”.”
"Event Review: Tallinn Music Week”
— Rhythm Passport. Sophia Darling. 09.2020
“The Estonian duo Puuluup is a perfect example that the expression ”Less is More” sometimes really works. Both Marko Veisson and Ramo Teder play the four-stringed bowed lyre from northern Europe, a very old instrument, with a rather limited range. With these instruments and their voices they create a astonishingly wide tonal range, especially when they combine it with electronics.”
“Unique Estonian folk duo visiting”
— Lira. Rasmus Klockljung. 16.02 2020
The concert is presented together with Presented by Global Cafe, the Cotton Factory and VEMU.