The Finns are back with their second album, with the same line-up as 2023’s ‘Nothing For No One’ debut, namely Petri Lindström (guitar), Jarno Törns (guitar), Jari Penttinen (bass), and Juha Säpsä (drums) and Jarrno Virtanen (vocals). As I said last time, anyone who follows the excellent Melodic Revolution Records may well be expecting something from either the melodic rock or progressive genres, but that is not what these guys are about as they bring together grunge, stoner and alternative. I am sure the biggest influence is QOTSA, but I was somewhat surprised to realise they also have some Limp Bizkit moments while there are also plenty of moments when they bring in Soundgarden, Nirvana or even some Alice In Chains.
The music is basic, but there is a groove behind it which really makes it work, and in that manner, they make me think of AC/DC who in many ways are one of the most basic bands around, yet the groove they capture means that no-one has ever managed to play music quite like them. The buzzsaw riffs are a wall of sound with heavy distortion, with little in the way of dramatic solos, but is this foundation combined with Jarno’s vocals which really make this work. Indeed, when they depart from the norm, as they do during “No.1” they actually lose impact which is strange given how I am always looking for contrast and dynamics. The album is solid as opposed to exceptional, but anyone who misses what was being released 30+ years ago will find much here to enjoy.
6/10 Kev Rowland
