Husky Rescue - Ghost is Not Real

Staying beneath the radar like a Stealth bomber in drag, this Finnish musical import, made up of one man or a fivesome depending on the occasion, have been releasing music since 2004 without so much as a growl, let alone a bark. This, their second LP proper, has peaks so high that even their notoriously sure-footed canine namesakes would struggle to reach them. 'Nightless Night' drips with rabid infectiousness, whilst 'Hurricane (Don't Come Knocking)' is arguably more beautiful than any Best in Show. Alas, such moments are in the minority, with much of the remaining fare on offer here keeping to the safer slopes and passing by all too forgettably. 'Blueberry Tree' extends over three tracks (Parts 1-3) each one of decreasing loveliness, whilst 'Diamonds in the Sky' is just nice. The two aformentioned pedigree numbers are certainly worth the entrance fee, however, on this evidence, and although not in need of a search party, Husky Rescue certainly could do with a little more direction. [Jon Seller]