Fans of Balkan music, tango and Nordic folk music know that the diatonic accordion cannot in any way be considered a bygone instrument. Finland, where the accordion has long been inseparable from its musical tradition, boasts a wealth of up-and-coming talent making their name with the instrument. Among them is Antti Paalanen, who extracts an astonishing range of sounds from his. Meluta, his recent and third solo album, contains captivating melodies, hypnotic beats, throat singing and even an ode to AC/DC guitarist Angus Young.

Antti Paalanen is known for his intense performances on the ‘kurttu’ of ‘hanuri’, the traditional Finnish diatonic accordion. Besides composing and performing, he is also an academic who specializes in developing new techniques for playing traditional instruments. Meluta was preceded by Breathbox, which was produced by the groundbreaking Finnish accordion player Kimmo Pohjonen.