Antti Reikko, aka Koria Kitten Riot, is a singer and guitarist from Helsinki. His recent solo work is soft and beautiful, but he can also master the art of guitar pop.
Their new album, Rich Men Poor Men Good Men, is a record built around Antti’s experiences, and it marks their first full band release.
The band
Koria Kitten Riot is a Helsinki-based indie-pop band led by singer/songwriter Antti Reikko. The songwriter has a long list of influences, including Elliott Smith, Sufjan Stevens, Jon Auer, Bright Eyes, The Flaming Lips, and more.
He started playing guitar at a young age and has been touring the world since the late ’90s with his band Johnny Superhero. They’re currently working on their fourth album. They’ve toured with Metallica, Kid Rock, Powerman 5000, and System of a Down, and their live shows are always well-received.
Their music is cheerful, instrument-stuffed indie-pop. It’s the kind of music that made bands like Annuals, Decemberists, and Grandaddy a hit in the mid-’00s. The songwriter has a way with lyrics, and the songs are easy to dance to.
KKR’s debut album is a delightful listen for fans of The Flaming Lips, Elliott Smith, Wilco, and early Weezer. It’s full of cheery tunes that will have you smiling at your computer screen, even if you’re in the middle of a really bad mood.
The lyrics are thoughtful and well-written, and the music is infused with melodic pop sensibilities that are very familiar to those who have enjoyed bands like Fleetwood Mac or The Shins. The band also has a sense of humor, which makes for a fun listen.
It’s a pleasure to have this album around, and it makes me want to hear more from the band. I’ve listened to the album several times, and every time it has left me with a smile on my face.
I’ve been following them for some time, and I have to say that they have a gift for writing thoughtful lyrics. The band often pokes fun at humanity, but they also have a knack for highlighting the world’s flaws and weaknesses.
Their third album, ‘Rich Men Poor Men Good Men’, is their first to feature a full band, and the result is one of the most honest and developed records I’ve ever heard from an indie-folk group. The band have found the right balance between lyrical content and melodic pop sensibilities, and the album is an enjoyable listen that should be on everyone’s collection.
The album
Koria Kitten Riot is a Helsinki, Finland-based indie band led by singer-songwriter Antti Reikko. The band has been together since 2009 and has been gaining much acclaim for their unique sound.
They are influenced by The Flaming Lips, Elliott Smith, Wilco and early Weezer. They have recorded their latest album koriakittenriot in Berlin with Doug Van Sloan (Bright Eyes, She & Him) handling the mastering.
The music is a mixture of indie-pop and folk-rock. Its lyrics are also very honest and the songs explore a wide range of subjects. The subject matter is often taken from the life of the band’s lead singer and front man, Antti Reikko.
He has a very personal touch and regularly dissects and explains the character and feel of each song on their Facebook page. He has a genuine desire to share his music and experiences with their listeners.
His lyrics are incredibly thoughtful and he delivers a prodigious amount of dramatic structure into his songs. This makes koriakittenriot an utterly engaging listen and a great addition to any indie-rock lover’s collection.
The music is beautifully constructed and the marriage of Reikko’s lyrics and the bands inventive musicianship is exceptional. They have an innate ability to create charming and ethereal songs that at times are hard to believe they aren’t the soundtrack of a heart-warming indie film. This combination is what makes koriakittenriot a standout in the crowded field of Finnish Indie-Pop bands.
Tracks
If you’re a fan of well-crafted pop songs, then you’ll be in awe at the work of Finnish band koria kitten riot. Fronted by singer-songwriter Antti Reikko, the trio are a whirlwind of musical talent, with a sound that draws from their country of origin as well as influences such as The Flaming Lips, Elliott Smith and Bright Eyes.
They have released a number of great tracks to date, ranging from the melancholic to the funky and the upbeat. Their latest album, Songs of Hope and Science is no exception, with a few standout tracks.
The album opener ‘Between A Pillow and a Soft Place’ has a lot going for it; from a short saxophone solo to some clever glockenspiel work and even an impressively long acoustic guitar riff. The song is also notable for its witty lyrics and clever music video.
This is a band to keep an eye on, and with The Lows & the Highs out in March you haven’t got long to wait for their next release. The aforementioned song is a must-have for anyone who appreciates a good indie pop tune with plenty of scope. It’s a joy to listen to, and the lyrics are worth your time.