In this edition, we bring you a combination of honest indie folk storytelling, a grittier hip-hop sound, and a spooky gothic vibe that is spot on. For the full playlist, click here.
Aspesti—”Blank”
Grunge band Aspesti from Espoo makes a roaring, razor-sharp manifesto with their song “Blank,” takes away any hint of doubt, and makes it a clear message. The song, which was written and performed by Nooa, Rasmus, and Kalle, is a blaze of raw rage and anger that spans generations. These young artists are proud to make their own sound in a genre that has traditionally been dominated by American views. They do this with a stubborn, locally based defiance. With loud, rumbling energy and strong, individual ideas, Aspesti shows that they know exactly what they want to say, demonstrating their identity as an exciting, fresh energy in alternative rock.
Goldschatz – “We Got Love”
The male and female vocals by Goldschatz in “We Got Love” bring the nostalgia of the 90s, tying the whole song together. After a few moments into the song, it’s quite impossible not to sing along. The track feels like one of the slow, happy, and grateful mornings we unexpectedly have in our lives, the very one that is needed most at times. Even though we see the same things and do the same routine every day, some days just start really well with love and gratitude that makes everything special. That charm, along with the soundscape, vocals, and instruments, makes the track memorable.
Frank Joshua – “Houston”
“Houston” perfectly captures what it’s like to live in a fast-paced world where our thoughts are always going back and forth. It speaks to the way our inner conversations stay with us and repeat themselves over and over again, weaving through our lives as we go about our daily lives. The sounds and instruments in the music are definitely lively beats that get the viewer moving. Frank Joshua’s voice is very clear and crisp, and it leaps melodiously, standing out against the lively background. When these things come together, they make a beautiful, harmonious mix. Dynamic music and captivating voices work together to make the emotional depth of the song deeper, like sitting with that thought over and over until it hurts less, which makes a person more aware of their actions.
Joseph Turner & The Dudes of Hazard – “The Shadow Remains”
Back with “The Shadow Remains,” the Dutch project Joseph Turner & The Dudes of Hazard deliver a masterclass in generating stress in the air. This tune is a beautifully engaging ghostly thriller based on a mesmerising acoustic guitar rhythm and a temptingly menacing drum start, which gives a fresh start for indie tracks, setting this apart from the others. Turner’s peculiar, whisper-like phrases serve as a terrifying warning, encouraging the listener to leave their earthly vessel behind. The song was written from the perspective of coming out of a long survival mode. The chanting feels like a slogan; the powerful, stomping rhythms build a wonderful trance. The track masterfully mirrors the fear of fear itself, capturing a dark, mesmerising condition of pure genius.
Chris Pellnat – “Chasing Love”
In “Chasing Love,” raw emotions and beautiful vocals make for a perfect, deeply moving tango. The track builds on a slow, gently changing musical background, giving the listener plenty of space to breathe and fully take in the artist’s vulnerability. At its core, the piece skips along a razor-thin thread that balances the overwhelming need to be loved against the paralysing uncertainty of affection in a way that is both fun and moving. An incredibly beautiful harmony between the vocals and instruments adds to this delicate thematic tension. It is a beautifully balanced and sophisticated work of art that turns mental doubt into something truly beautiful.
