The fourth album from this progressive Finnish jazz-rock outfit showcases cleverly constructed arrangements, rich in modality and memorable melodic structures that linger long after listening.

The fourth album is often a tricky milestone for any band, but for Soft Power, the journey unfolded a bit differently. Their breakthrough didn’t come with their debut—it arrived after the release of their second album. Backed by the Estonian label RR Gems, known for its wide distribution, Brink of Extinction reached a global audience and earned the group an entirely new fanbase. As a result, their first album—initially self-released on their own imprint—quickly sold out as well.

Their fourth album, Space to Breathe, marks their first release on Jazzaggression (with another one already in the pipeline after a productive recording weekend at Studio Pelto). Interestingly, this record consists of material written between their first and second albums—almost a “1.5,” you could say. Space to Breathe carries the same breezy, free-flowing energy that defined their earlier work, offering fans more of the distinctive sound they’ve come to love.

Our journey begins with the track “Zeppelin,” which opens the album with smooth, searching bass lines that linger and build anticipation for what’s to come. Next up is “Turku” — named after the Finnish city — delivering a memorable melody laid over a tough, breakbeat groove. We stay floating among the clouds with the title track “Space To Breathe,” a mellow, introspective piece that perfectly captures the spirit of the album. By now, it’s time to flip the record — and you’re rewarded with the first single and clear highlight, “Then The Neighbors Complain,” followed by “Thurson.” The journey concludes with “Ote Irtoaa,” bringing the six-track album to a close.