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Pujus of Jukra — Tree Wishes
(Bandcamp no#, 2025, DL)

by Henry Schneider, Published 2025-04-10

Tree Wishes Cover art

What are the Pujus of Jukra?  I think the name may be gibberish, as the only meaning that Google can find is that the Pujus of Jukra is the Finnish prog trio of Tuomas Riekkinen (guitar, vocals), Sasu Tammelin (bass), and Jonne Turunen (drums). After releasing an EP in 2018 and seven years of honing their sound, they released their full-length debut album Tree Wishes in January 2025. The meaning of Pujus of Jukra may have something to do with snails, as surreal snails appear in the cover art of both their self-title EP and Tree Wishes. This mutant snail with its multiple eyes doesn’t prepare you for the music. The eight unique songs with English lyrics showcase the Pujus’ mastery of different styles. The album opens with “Sunbathing with Trees,” with its 70s vibe, dark riffs, and heavy guitar riffing that changes to a soft quiet song. “Close Enough” is contemporary aggressive prog rock that abruptly shifts to quiet contemplative singing, and then back to harsh guitar riffing, evoking King Crimson and Robert Fripp. “Out of Time” is a rocking melodic song that morphs midway with tempo changes and inventive guitar riffing, which greatly enhances the track. Next is “Loser” with its dark cavernous desert doom vibe, a freaky interlude with guitar trickery, cascading notes, and heavy delay, and returning to the desert doom and throbbing bass. “Femme” is pure funky rock and smooth vocals, for a change of pace. “Two Flamingos” continues the funky prog vibe and the Pujus mix in some metal prog riffs as well. “Declaration of Principles” is a bluesy prog rock fusion song. And the album closes with “Last Breath of a Unicorn,” a raw stoner rock dirge. Tree Wishes is definitely worth investing if you are searching for some new music.

Filed under: New releases, 2025 releases

Related artist(s): Pujus of Jukra

More info
http://pujusofjukra.bandcamp.com/album/tree-wishes

 

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