The Amazing - S/T

The importance of punctuation: The Amazing debut album from The Amazing vs. The Amazing, debut album from The Amazing. All though the tag on this post refers to the band rather than the adjective, this album is well worth checking out.

The band including members of Dungen, and therefore Anna Järvinen’s band, offers a record full of pleasant, airy and organic sound. The band’s playing really feels relaxed and proves once again these players’ thorough understanding of their instruments.

The Amazing @ Spotify
The Amazing @ Luisterpaal
The Amazing @ Myspace

Wish I lived in Stockholm

Even though I will hate the Swedish ice hockey team, the arch enemy of the Finnish team, during the forthcoming Olympic Games, I actually like Sweden in many ways and not least because of the fantastic music made there. However, I’ve had controversial feelings for Sweden lately since I happened to see what kind of live shows Stockholm has to offer. I admit that many great indie bands have entered Finnish soil during the past few years, but Sweden is way ahead of us.

The key venue seems to be Debaser, which actually consists of two venues in different districts. This spring there will play for instance the following bands: Local Natives, Delphic, Japandroids, Midlake, Blur, The Temper Trap, Tallest Man On Earth, Beach House, Florence + The Machine, Yeasayer, Girls, The Antlers and Owen Pallet. That’s one stunning list for one club from my point of view. Hopefully, I’ll have the time and money in the summer to visit festivals or clubs in Sweden or Central Europe. Maybe I’ll even spend a weekend in Stockholm during the spring. While waiting for that, I’m going to enjoy live shows by the likes of Florence + The Machine and Mono right here in Finland.

Midlake - The Courage of Others

I was just explaining to myself that there’s no need to try to listen to Vampire Weekend’s hyperactive new album or other summer records in midst of this continuous blizzard, when I found the perfect album for the weather and time of year, Midlake’s The Courage of Others. I’m not familiar with Midlake’s back catalogue but this new album blew me away. It’s melancholic and grand. It’s traditional and organic, but imaginative. It’s skillfully played and arranged, but humble. It’s poetic, but honest. It’s close and it’s far. It’s music from the woods and music from years ago. And now I’m just spoiling your listening experience by praising it too much.

The tracks actually sound very similar, but in this case it’s positive. The ability to create such a firm, solid but detailed background and such powerful melodies gives the band right – or rather obliges the band – to use those elements throughout an entire album. I do, however, find a clear favorite track right in the middle of the album called “Rulers, Ruling All Things”. Certainly haven’t heard a comparable chorus in a while. And referring to it’s lyrics I think you will stand in awe of the Midlake’s creation as I’ve done.

midlake.net
Midlake @ Myspace
The Courage of Others @ Luisterpaal
The Courage of Others @ Spinner