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Atomic Fire Records [Release date 21.04.23]
There’s an element of “Eurovision” in this album, and I reckon The 69 Eyes should ready themselves for Australia 2024. Australia? Yes, I have high hopes for Voyager this year. There is a definite connection to fellow countrymen (and former contest winners) Lordi.
This is basically dark goth metal/rock that may have been particularly acceptable in the late 1980s/early 1990s. But scrape away those influences and there is a classic contemporary rock album waiting to get out. The 69 Eyes have the credentials, originating in Helsinki in 1989.
The deep resonant vocals of Jyrki 69 permeate this album which has great chant choruses and is totally addictive. It’s also a nice crisp production job. Several tracks came out in 2022 on EP.
The pump bass that rocks the title track and keyboard embellishments gets you in the mood whilst the urgent early single ‘Drive’ is simply wonderful. This opening salvo is completed by yet another instantly gratifying track ‘Gotta Rock’. We surely have to. The keyboard motif takes us back to prime-time eighties synth rock but with the necessary guitar muscle, and a super chorus too. It’s actually a cover of a track originally performed by fellow Finns Boycott on their 1987 debut album.
Can the band sustain the album on the basis of those opening tracks? Well, yes.
There’s more ear candy in the shape of ‘This Murder Takes Two’ which has a pistols at dawn western vibe and a duet with Kat Von D. ‘California’ pays tribute one of the band’s biggest inspirations – Hollywood and Sunset Strip – whilst ‘Call Me Snake’ continues the dark gothic vibe, punctuated by riffy guitars.
‘Dying In The Night’ is a surefire single, there’s a ‘Love Is The Drug’ rhythm in there somewhere. Once you get used to Jyrki’s deep baritone you’ll be completely hooked. Think latter day Billy Idol x 2.
The final track ‘Outlaws’ rounds things off in fine style. Again with a memorable chorus and orchestration.
If you want an album to cheer you up in the face of the Local Elections, Coronation and rising beer prices, look no further. ****
Review by David Randall
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14:00-16:00 KATARINA PEJAK – Pearls On A String (Ruf Records)
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