The women of V�rttin� can sing like Finnish angels, howl like banshees, and growl like devils on the prowl, and they do it all on this live album, recorded before an adoring audience in their homeland. They've developed into a marvelously tight unit, able to move from the multipart, unaccompanied vocals of "K�ppee" to the out-and-out groove of "Laulutytt�" without missing a beat. Led by violinist Kari Reiman, the band is spare, framing and emphasizing the vocals that have always been V�rttin�'s focal point. And the way the four singers work together--answering each other, playing off each other, coming together, and moving apart--is a joy to hear. There's a playfulness to their approach that's irresistible, and this live performance displays a very fierce energy and presence in the way they attack the songs that's missing from their studio work. Captured on a great night, they simply rock--and bring the house down. --Chris Nickson