Two years on from her debut ‘Sister’, half Finnish, half Algerian singer, songwriter, actress and more, Mariam “Manna” Jäntti, released this second effort in Finland back in September last year to impressive critical acclaim. Outside the country in the far east corner of what I have allowed myself to call Scandinavia, ‘Songs Of Hope And Desire’ and Manna herself has been really well received, too, which not only makes sense but is thoroughly deserved when diving into the 10 tracks and 34 minutes long album.

Along with co-producer Mikko Joensuu from Joensuu 1685 (here also co-writer on two songs), Manna excites with a fetching blend of downcast blues, beautiful balladry, gritty punk and noise-rock aesthetics and vigorous pop (the girl knows how to cut a chorus) carried by her somewhat surprisingly clear (given the rock nature of it all), yet assertive vocal which leaves absolutely no doubt that this kitten got claws…

Genre: Rock
Who: Manna
Album: Songs Of Hope And Desire
Label: Suomen Musiikki
Year: 2009
Country: Finland
Language: English
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Recommended tracks:
Truth Song – Some Girls, Some Boys – Sad Little Bird – Rollercoaster – Gimme Water