No doubt about it – this is the best Estonian alternative rock album of the year!
A short dive into the band’s history – they come from Pärnu, and this is their second album. The band performs relatively often, both in bigger and smaller clubs and festivals. Perhaps you spotted them in Riga this year, or at Laba Daba or Summer Sound.
The band is a trio: Helena – guitar, vocals; Heiko – bass; Hendrik – drums, percussion. The album was released on CD and vinyl by the local enthusiasts at I Love You Records, who also released the band’s debut album “Love, Holy Water and TV” (2012).
Already with their debut, the band dazzled with a confident approach – catchy and interesting instrumental combinations, a uniquely distinctive voice from the vocalist, and that unmistakable Estonian touch.
The best Estonian alternative rock album of the year? Yes – because in the first week after its release, it already caused quite a buzz in terms of sales in their home country. Musically, it’s a very successful mix of indie and pop, with traces of post-punk and early 90s alternative music. Melancholic, yet expressive. Melodic.
The album is impressively well-crafted – let me emphasize: this is a trio that manages to create intricate guitar work, interesting compositions, break rhythms, and place accents in a way that works just as well on the radio as it does live – where you just want to jump along. Speaking of accents – several tracks in the album highlight this really well, in both guitar and drums. And these little rollercoasters are a compliment to the band once again – for their creativity and simple, yet clever technical execution.
The lyrical side is also compelling – full of reflection, doubt, searching, dreams. I believe if you manage to decipher Helena’s handwriting, you’ll understand the band’s message and probably find something meaningful for yourself too.
And about the lyrics – they intertwine skillfully and emotionally with the music’s rises and falls, and tempo shifts.
A hit after hit: “Bombers”, “Up Up Down”, “No.44”, “Noyée”, “Clusterfuck”, “Almost Gospel”.
Jānis Jansons / radio NABA
19/09/2017