Reviews

Lempi & Sylvi

Karkki & the Car Keys Big Ball of Fire EP

We’re early into this thing, but I’m having mixed feelings. It’s mid-tempo and catchy and it definitely has some things in common with bands that I quite enjoy (SUZY Y LOS QUATTRO, DIRTY CUPCAKES, EPOXIES), but it is also leaving me feeling like it’s not quite complete. If you’re a fan of female-fronted alternative pop music (maybe even power pop) this could be for you. From Finland, it also reminds me a tad of PLASTIC TONES, another female-fronted power pop band. Listening through a third time, I do feel like it’s growing on me.

Plastic Tones Whirlwind / Mystery Machine 7″

I’m not sure why, but I’ve been hip to Helsinki’s PLASTIC TONES for a while now. They deliver a solid product of female-fronted power pop that is pretty and moody enough that it evokes memories of early Subway Organization artists, like the FLATMATES. CHIN CHIN is another one that comes to mind. I really enjoyed both tracks here. There’s a certain darkness that runs through both.

Tamara Luonto Made in China / Kirsikkapommi 7″

This is somehow both super polished and shambling DIY-style RUNAWAYS worship from Finland…. The B-Side is a “Cherry Bomb” cover in Finnish, and has a sick falling apart REMO VOOR fee. The flip side is super sincere sounding: more polished but still charming and cool—totally worth checking out! Cover photo of the band looks like it could have been taken in 1976 or 1982 or 1992 or last week and the record has that feel too.