Islaja or Merja Kokkonen, is a singer/songwriter from Finland. She is also a member of free improv and psych folk bands Avarus, Kemialliset Ystävät, and the trio Hertta Lussu Ässä.

She has been compared to an acid-folk version of Björk, Syd Barrett, and to Nico.

Her music is notably psychedelic and very intimate using a vast Complex variety of instruments.

Islaja might well be a forgotten islet somewehere or a name of courageous sword swinging heroine in a forgotten fable. For one, Islaja is a certain young woman that has sang and played an album full of heart-rending intimate music. Half a year of quietly working in her homestudio brought about a cluster of transcendental tunes that are now being released as an album called Meritie.

One song Islaja whispered in a fever and another with an oriental monkey. At times it is impossible to tell where the sounds are coming from. The variety of instruments is vast, but all have their space and strong belief in the power of individual sounds can be heard. Islaja has exceptional sense of harmony that alone can make the album a magical listening experience.

The voice of Islaja sounds bravely over the screaming crazed sea-gulls. It is stunningly honest. This is a great victory in these times of sadness.

http://www.islaja.com