LAPINPOLTHAJAT - Wahlroosin Unelma - lp - 2012

One of Europe's best kept secrets, this is one band who's releases I actively track down and buy as soon as they become available. After a killer first 7" and lp, this 2nd lp sees them add just a little more melody to great effect, losing none of their previous punch in the process. This channels the Finnish scene's more tuneful predecessors, the likes of Appendix, Mellakka and Treblinka, as opposed to say the more all-out buzz-saw distorted chaos of Kaaos & co. That said, LAPINPOLTHAJAT are not to be confused as one of the many retro bands rehashing an old style/sound that have become so prevalent over recent years. Firmly rooted in the Finnish hardcore punk tradition as they may be, LAPINPOLTHAJAT sound fresh and authentic, building on what came before as opposed to being a poorly photo-copied version of what once was. For any clues these guys are actual active participants as opposed to mere musicians, you only have to look at drummer Jukka. He has to be one of the more active punks on the mainland at the moment, running the fantastic Kämäset Levyt label (who co-released this lp together with the equally great Roku Records and Shogun Records), organizing a shitload of tours and playing in a string of other great bands to boot. Have a listen and check out the other releases by the three labels, they all maintain way above average levels of quality control.
LAPINPOLTHAJAT