So, what’s happening in Finland these days? I don’t really know but, in the world of music, Lala Salama have released an album called “Miltähän me näytettäis yhdessä” which, according to the dictionary of all knowledge, translates to “What Would We Look Like Together”.
This album is guitar powered throughout with said guitars providing the fuel that takes these songs forever forward. There are moments of whimsy – “Sun”, for example - yet the many will not fail to recognise the obliqueness of intention that comes with a journey into the shoegaze genre. Presentational energy, however, is not lacking and “Lupaa Mulle Huominen”, in particular, drinks deep from the well of American pop punk to keep this song rolling on down the highway to its destination. Lala Salama merge commercialism and guitar solos together well and it would not be too difficult to imagine these songs appearing in any retro focussed airwaves near you, me, and everyone else. In addition, there is also a healthy dose of grunge style discord in there and, when matched with words that move out towards the sour side of the street, this band’s musical intent becomes clearer and Lala Salama duly demonstrate that they have no problem balancing the strident with the melodic and the catchy with the intense.
Sometimes you have to travel to find a band that can generate some real musical energy and, yeah and verily, Lala Salama are such band. Fortunately, Finland isn’t that far away.
Best song: the rather incongruous but endearing “Sun”.
Verdict: Worthy.