Valge Tüdruk returns as Estonian artists unveil new music

Valge Tüdruk is back with a new single after a year away, one of several releases featured in ERR’s latest new-music roundup.

“Noored”, by Valge Tüdruk, also known as Elina Masing, accompanies “Replica”, a production by TUVKA’s final-year performing arts course that premieres on November 4. Its creators say the production centres on bitterness and asks what happens when a person’s potential for talent and distinction goes unrealised.

Masing co-produced the dream-pop and trip-hop-influenced track with Raul Ojamaa, who also sings on it. Masing said it was the first song she had produced herself and that she wanted it to sound gentler and more honest than her previous work. Unlike her singles released last year, “Noored” was released independently.

Kurvad uudised Records also released Intrepid’s nine-minute single “For the Swans, Leave Your Flesh”, from the band’s forthcoming EP “Becoming”. The six-track EP is due at the end of November. Guitarist and spokesperson Simo Atso said the track presents the group’s music as “Estonian death metal”, adding that this did not require playing a bagpipe or kannel.

Florian Wahl released a new album through Kurvad uudised this week, returning to the period before “Flo Raadio” and pushing its radio-play-like quality further. Rapper Raul appears on two tracks, including “Lõvi”, which ERR’s roundup calls the album’s strongest.

Holy Motors released its third album, “Heaven’s Night”, which the roundup says brings a new expressiveness and bravado to the band’s sound.

Kurvad uudised also put out Boipepperoni’s bouncy, wavering house track “Neva been”, featuring a vocal sample sung by Rahel Ollisaar. ERR notes that the song could pass for a track from an international club or playlist.

Another release from the label is “Pubiralli” by Roberii and Maiduk. Roberii is a new project by one member of Triibupasta. The track is associated with Jaak Kilmi’s film “Musta pori näkku”, which was due in cinemas that week. ERR describes its alcohol-themed shouts as a natural fit for the simple riff, while questioning why a party rapper was asked to make a punk-themed promotional track at a time when Estonian punk is thriving.

Aapeerik’s “Suhkruglasuur” builds tension through its narrow sound, but ERR says the track struggles under the weight of its many ideas as it tries to be too many things at once.

Sadu’s new single “Näeme . veel” brings songwriter and guitarist Frederik Küüts to the fore. ERR describes the choice to set aside the elements that brought the band success as a bold move.