Stereo Six: HamaSaari Run Down Some of Their Most Inspirational Songs and Albums

Even if it is just their debut record, HamaSaari took a bold and fearless approach to the recording of Ineffable. Released just last month via Klonosphere Records, the album is dark, colourful, atmospheric, and very much progressive. It’s the quintet’s first grand statement on who they are and what they embody, and they have successfully made their point with a record that is full of originality, variety, and texture that pays tribute to some of the best progressive rock artists, such as Pink Floyd, Porcupine Tree, and Karnivool.

Ineffable is both delicate and vigorous, not to mention extremely musically diverse. The band uses poly-rhythmic bass drums, vintage keyboards, Fender Rhodes, Hammond organs, mellotrons, and arpeggiated guitars. As you may have imagined, the writing process was detailed and meticulous; however, when it came to production, the band members opted for something a little more organic and straightforward sounding. Guillaume Bernard, known for his work with Klone and Polar Moon, was a great asset in assisting with the final arrangements, guiding the band to refine and polish their sound.

With such a striking, distinct sound, it made sense to connect with HamaSaari for our latest Stereo Six, in which the band discusses some of the songs and albums that inspired them in the writing of Ineffable.

1. Karnivool – “Deadman” (2009, Columbia Records)

Jordan Jupin: “‘Deadman’ is the longest song from the Sound Awake album. For me, it’s a kind of killer track with everything. It’s a long and complex song with polyrhythms and modulation harmonies, but the Lead melodies smooth the song and keep you in without thinking. Recorded in live-tracking with bass and drums in the same big room, the intention is here, and the sound pure and living. I love their way, making complicated and astonishing music without making you feel lost in technical demonstration.”

2. Porcupine Tree – “Arriving Somewhere But Not Here” (2005, Kscope Records)

Antoine Alric: “Porcupine Tree and early Steven Wilson work, in general, has always been a huge source of inspiration for all of us, and the title ‘Arriving Somewhere But Not Here’ embodied what we love in this type of music. Some of us had the chance to experience it live, and it’s even better.”

Artwork for the albums and songs HamaSaari lists in this Stereo Six

3. Black Peaks – “King” (2019, BMG)

Jupin: “Slow and powerful, ‘King’ is a single released by Black Peaks in 2019. The first time we saw them was at the Chabada, in Angers in France, supporting Architects and Northlane. As they appeared on stage, their energy and their sound was perfect. They have both rage and opened hearts to share with us their music during that awesome performance. I feel the same each time I’m listening to ‘King,’ I have the feeling they play it as the last moment of their life.”

4. Opeth – Damnation (2003, Music For Nations)

Alric: “I remember discovering Opeth for the first time, randomly on YouTube. It was ‘To Bid You Farewell’ from their Morningrise album. I fell immediately in love with Opeth’s music and listened to their entire discography, but there’s something about the darkness and wintry energy of Damnation. Years after, I’m still going back to this record.”

5. All Them Witches – “Everest” (2020, New West Records)

Jupin: “Sometimes, we just need things to be beautiful, simple and real. This only-one-guitar song echoing the walls of Abbey Road Studio drives me back to the simple things I love. Nothing less, nothing more.”

6. Marmozets – The Weird and Wonderful (2014, Roadrunner Records)

Sullivane Albertini: “We saw this band by chance with Jordan at Printemps de Bourges Festival in 2014, and we were smitten. The band had so much energy and a sick sound. We loved the spirit, the repartition of the guitars in the spectrum and the singer’s voice. After sanding down the album The Weird And Wonderful, we particularly liked the track ‘Captivate You,’ the harmony, the melodies, the hi-hat replaced by the rhythm guitar and Math Rock riffs. This song is both soft and energetic and can be easily listened to with your eyes closed, before going to sleep.”

HamaSaari ‘Ineffable’ album artwork