Rasmus formed way back in 1996, and have had five albums prior to "Dead Letters" as well as already enjoying a stream of successes in their native Finland, from number ones to Finnish grammy awards. Lead singer Lauri says his lyrics are always personal and that every word has a meaning. Latest album, and debut to the UK, "Dead Letters" is no acception, with each song resembling a potential letter to someone. This could be an apology, a confession, a proclamation of affection, or a cry for help. No emotion is left untouched, and you cannot fault him for expression of feelings, perhaps this is what comes from bleak landscapes and winters that seem like a lifetime. His innovative approach creates no surprise that he is one of the most appreciated composers in Finland today. The band behind Lauri is Pauli on Guitars, Aki on drums, and Eero on bass, not to be outdone, they all contribute to the feel of the album, and their powerful, personality fuelled sounds cannot be faulted. Right from the opener "First Day of My Life, "an instantly distinct track, it is unmistakable that the whole album shows a band collected, which can only be expected of members who have been playing together since the tender age of sixteen, and who were friends prior to this. The Rasmus attempt, and succeed with every idea going, "In my life" is a powerful and pounding tune, and the band also uses melancholy well, still managing to get some personal anger out in the process, as heard on "Time to burn." "Tell me why do I feel this way, all my life I been standing on the borderline." "Not Like the Other Girls" even brings a poetic element into the picture. If any track stands out, it is none more than this one, it's melodic sounds, and classic guitar solo to rival the old classics, intensely creates a feeling not dissimilar to having just seen the gig of a lifetime. " Funeral Song" is more of a brooding and dark ballad, but not hard hitting doom and gloom as the title suggests. A track which brings to mind the image of swaying lighters, and mobile phones held in the air, complete with vocals and strings to bowl you over. Past European hit "FFF Falling," creates a stir, with its story of a downward spiral in life. However "If You Ever" and "Whatever" is a crash down to earth with a bang, hardly leaving you on the high note of previous tracks. Not that the songs are not well-crafted, they resemble a case of who put that there? The closing track could have favoured a more stand out track to finish. The Rasmus debut single "In My Shadows" is out now, and the bands are about to embark upon a UK tour, for more information check out www.therasmus.com Katherine Tomlinson |
