If you’re into cheerful, instrument-stuffed indie-pop, you should check out Finnish quintet koriakittenriot. Their latest album ‘Rich Men Poor Men Good Men’ is full of songs that will make you smile.
The band has a diverse range of influences, including Elliott Smith, Neutral Milk Hotel, Wilco and early Weezer. Singer-songwriter Antti Reikko’s lyrics and the band’s musical style combine to create an excellent record.
About the band
Hailing from Helsinki, Finland, koriakittenriot is an indie pop band fronted by singer Antti Reikko. The group has released a pair of albums, both of which went largely unnoticed by the wider indie music community.
The band’s most recent album, Rich Men Poor Men Good Men is a joyful collection of melodic indie-pop songs. It’s a happy mix of alternative pop and americana, with influences from Elliott Smith, Wilco, Neutral Milk Hotel, and early Weezer.
Reikko’s lyrics are often written in a slightly whimsical style, but they also have an underlying message of hope. It’s a reminder that even when things are dark there’s always something to look forward to.
With the album’s theme of hope woven throughout, it feels a bit like Koria Kitten Riot have the ability to prod humanity in its ribs with a big stick. They’re highlighting the world’s shortcomings and flaws, but at the same time, they are also pointing us all in the right direction.
This uplifting, thoughtful collection of songs is a great listen and you should check it out. It’s an unexpected pleasure and you’ll be glad you did! It’s available on VILD Recordings. You can read more about the band on their website. You can also visit their Facebook page to learn more about them and their latest releases. Keep your eyes open for this Helsinki indie pop act!
Listen to songs
Despite being a relative newcomer to the Finnish music scene, KKR – led by Antti Reikko – have released a fine debut record in 2014. Their aptly titled Rich Men Poor Men Good Men is full of clever songwriting, combining folk tones with the modern day sensibilities of The Flaming Lips and Elliott Smith.
The album is a tour de force, with Reikko and company showcasing their talents in songwriting and music video production. It’s easy to see why the band has enjoyed a growing fanbase in their homeland of Finland, as well as abroad.
Their latest release, Songs of Hope and Science, has all the hallmarks of a modern day indie pop masterpiece. Its lead single, “25,” is a high-octane track that showcases the band’s ability to write catchy tunes and produce a rousing video.
Aside from the video, the album has its fair share of standout tracks, with “Suits & Evening Gowns” and “Cold Cold Arms” highlighting the band’s ability to fuse a sensitive indie rock approach with the modern-day songwriting of bands like Bright Eyes or Death Cab For Cutie. Among the album’s more intriguing moments are “The Biggest Mood,” “Little Things That Are Big,” and the title track.
Easily accessible via the Wynk app, “Rich Men Poor Men Good Men” is an album you need to add to your music collection. Its songs are well-crafted and have a lot to say about the state of humanity in 2014. Whether you’re looking for something to listen to on your commute or want to impress your friends, it’s worth trying out this album.
Support the band
Helsinki-based indie pop quintet Koria Kitten Riot (KKR) are a band to keep an eye on. Fronted by singer-songwriter Antti Reikko, they blend alternative pop and americana with a happy touch of singer-songwriter influence.
Their first full-band album, Rich Men Poor Men Good Men is an honest and revealing recording, built around the experiences of lead singer Reikko. The album is testament to the man being told to “work f*****g hard, be honest and make ballsy decisions”.
The album features a plethora of soaring harmonies, melodically-driven guitar work and acoustic-led arrangements that are reminiscent of bands like The Flaming Lips and Elliott Smith. The group also includes elements of rock and alt-country, as evidenced in songs like Suits & Evening Gowns and Cold Cold Arms.
The album is infused with the spirit of hope and science, ideas that were brought to life through a tumultuous 2016 for Reikko and his band. They have a knack for prodding humanity’s weak points, while still offering us a sense of purpose and optimism that helps us stay on the right side of life’s difficulties. It’s a beautiful record and one I recommend for anyone who is looking for a little bit of sweetness in their life.
Contact the band
A slickly dressed fivesome led by singer Antti Reikko, Koria Kitten Riot aren’t the cheapest band in town but they do know how to play their game. Their latest release, Rich Men Poor Men Good Men is a slickly produced homage to the folk rock genre and their songwriting prowess can’t be denied. If you’re a fan of the Nordic music scene you owe it to yourself to check them out. Luckily, they’re playing in your area this weekend.