Photo © Taavi Arus
At the WOMEX edition in La Coruña, one band stood out with its unique blend of surrealism and contemporary folklore: Puuluup. Their music, a deeply original fusion of ancient Estonian and Northern European traditions, surprised both the audience and industry professionals in attendance.
Puuluup's performances are a sensory journey where two "Talharps" — arcane string instruments manipulated with electronic effects and experimental techniques — form the basis for creating a simultaneously timeless and avant-garde sound landscape, inviting listeners to dance and celebrate. It's an imaginative way to blend tradition and future, seriousness and lightness, art and entertainment.
The distinctive compositions of Puuluup stem from an eclectic mix of sources: unexpected excerpts from Polish TV series, ancient Estonian punk and even sweet bread from the island of Vormsi. This playful approach extends to their use of language, often inventing words to accompany their innovative soundscapes.
While words can convey much about Puuluup, nothing compares to witnessing one of their captivating performances. Their stage presence is a clear testament to their innovative artistry and contagious energy, as evidenced by their recent appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest, where they performed alongside the band "5miinust" representing Estonia.