LEENA OJALA

It’s so refreshing to hear a record where there’s no beat until three quarters of the way through. Needless to say Leena Ojala isn’t making records for the ADHD-addled Radio 1 generation here.

This London-based girl with a multi-national background is as musically unconventional as she is cosmopolitan. Having checked out the original version on Soundcloud this Brit-Finn girl certainly has songwriting and vocal abilities to burn but eschews the obvious for a much more left of centre reworking.

On ‘Why’, Leena joins forces with Brighton based narcotic fans D/R/U/G/S on the remix. These established electronic producers take the tune on a nu-ambient Balearic excursion that channels the like of Massive Attack, Eno and London Grammar. The rework uses only tidbits of Leena’s vocal and is more about creating a vibe than fodder for club or radio. This is armchair electronica at its best.

Without  being particularly memorable it does its job. If you find yourself craving a dry sherry and a packet of Werthers Originals by the second listen just go with it.

Words by Steve Burton

Tipped by The Unsigned Guide