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Title: Eilisen Jälkeen - Suomalaista postpunkia 1981-1987
Artist: Various
Genre: Post-punk
Release Date: 30th April 2010 (Germany)
Label: Danse Macabre



Album Review

First some words of warning: If you cannot stand lo-fi, several tracks on this compilation are likely to turn you off. Furthermore, all the songs are in Finnish, so those who are interested in Finnish post-punk but insist in having lyrics in English should move on and check out e.g. the early works of SHADOWPLAY. For all the other post-punk aficionados, especially the ones interested in the history of post-punk, 'Eilisen Jälkeen - Suomalaista postpunkia 1981-1987' ('After Tomorrow - Finnish post-punk 1981-1987') is a real gem. This comprehensive compilation of 22 tracks from 20 bands is a commendable favour for the enthusiasts as substantial amount of the tracks are difficult to get hands on nowadays - many of them are available only in LP format and are long sold out.

Finnish post-punk in the early eighties was very literally post-punk: Many, if not most influential bands in the front line of Finnish post-punk, such as the legendary Musta Paraati (Black Parade), consisted mostly of ex-punk band members inspired by bands such as Joy Division and Killing Joke. Rough-edged punks slowed down their tempo and began to embrace synths and apply make-up - often receiving controversial responses from their baffled fans. 'Eilisen Jälkeen' reflects this shift: The opening track by Ratsia (Raid), whose roots are deeply planted in punk, is reminiscent of post-punk legend Joy Division. Similarly, Päät (The Heads) started as a punk band but developed a more melodic and romantic, new-wave-influenced sound: 'Rikoksen rytmi' (The rhythm of crime) is one of the easier accessed tracks on the compilation together with Tiistai's (Tuesday) sentimental 'Ansassa' ('Trapped') that brings in mind the guitar melodies of The Cure.

The compilation features as many as three tracks by Musta Paraati and one by Silmät (Eyes), which Musta Paraati singer Jore Vastelin founded after leaving the band. Musta Paraati was, without a doubt, one of the most influential Finnish post-punk bands and it is impossible to imagine the compilation without them. However, their debut album, complemented with excessive amount of bonus material, is already available in a digital format, so many might have rather seen the compilation to include another band or two whose material is hard to get by instead. That aside, nightmarish 'Romanssi' ('Romance') from their debut album is among the most unforgettable songs not only on the compilation but also in the history of Finnish post-punk. Its twisted love-song allure has claimed it popularity also among the younger generations and it still gets occasionally played at the local gothic clubs. Fans may appreciate the fact that the compilation features the '82 single version, previously unreleased in a digital format.

The album features delightfully many female-fronted bands, such as all-electronic Belaboris. Among the best is 'Liikkuvat Lapset' (Mobile Children), who stands out of the crowd thanks to the histrionic performance of their gorgeous, dark-voiced singer Tuula Amberla, who later gained also mainstream popularity. Equally theatrical is Burundi, bringing in mind bands such as Virgin Prunes and Bauhaus. It's hard to judge the compilation as a whole because of its great variety: It includes romantic Synth dominated tracks as well as edgy punk sounds. Overall, the compilation represents post-punk at its best: gloomy and theatrical without being pretentious. The release of this well-received compilation has set the hopes of Finnish alternative music fans high: Will there be more near-forgotten treasures to be reissued?


Tracklist

01. Eilisen jälkeen - Ratsia 4:24
02. Romanssi - Musta Paraati 3:35
03. Kuolleet peilit - Belaboris 3:11
04. Haudattu - Silmät 3:25
05. Susi - Syyskuu 2:34
06. Johtaja - Musta Paraati 3:46
07. Kesä - Geisha 3:07
08. Arpakuutio - Après Demain 2:58
09. Peilisali - Kolme Seisoo Vinossa 3:10
10. Kuuntele ääniä - Kuudes Tunti 3:23
11. Myrsky nousee - Musta Paraati 3:55
12. Beatnik - Ret Marut 3:25
13. Temppeli - Psyyke 2:59
14. Ikiyö - Hexenhaus 3:32
15. Kasoittain tuhkaa - Kuolleet Kukat 3:57
16. Kuume - Hiljaa 4:26
17. Rikoksen rytmi - Päät 5:01
18. Taivaskatto - Alaston Lounas 3:43
19. Aavikon laiva - Burundi 3:04
20. Sinut haluan - Liikkuvat Lapset 3:04
21. Ilo - Jumalainen Näytelmä 3:12
22. Ansassa - Tiistai 3:48


Website

http://www.dansemacabre-group.com/


Cover Picture




Rating

Music: 10
Sound: 7
Extras: -
Total: 8.5 / 10


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