Koria Kitten Riot, fronted by singer-songwriter Antti Reikko, have crafted their debut album as a happy mixture of alternative pop and Americana with singer/songwriter influences. Reikko lists The Flaming Lips, Elliott Smith, Wilco and early Weezer among his influences.
The album, Songs of Hope and Science, is a collection of uplifting anthems – all written in that slightly whimsical style that would rather poke fun at the world than wallow in its self pity. The theme of hope is a constant reminder that even in the darkest times, there’s always something to look forward to.
Lyrics
When I first heard the lyric to ‘Between a Pillow and a Soft Place’ by Helsinki-based indie pop quintet Koria Kitten Riot, I was taken aback at how clever it was. The song is a clever combination of electronic noise, glockenspiel lullaby and acoustic guitar that sets the scene for the track’s grandiose musical centerpiece.
KKR’s lead singer Antti Reikko has a big list of influences, including Elliott Smith, Sufjan Stevens, Wilco and The Flaming Lips. He also counts a number of other indie bands among his favorites, such as She & Him and Bright Eyes.
There’s no denying that ‘Rich Men Poor Men Good Men’, a new album by KKR, is a well-crafted piece of music. Featuring songs from Reikko’s two previous albums, it takes on the ambitious task of putting together intimacy and grandiose instrumentation to form a work that is a delight to listen to and an absolute pleasure to watch live.
What really sets the record apart from other indie-folk acts is that Reikko doesn’t just sing about the hard stuff, but he puts it into his own words, creating an album that’s as intelligent as it is beautiful to look at and listen to. The result is a record that makes the best of what’s around us, and infuses it with hope.
If you’re a fan of well-crafted, literate pop, you owe it to yourself to check out ‘Rich Men Poor Men Good Men’ by KKR, as well as their debut album s/t and second album The Lows & The Highs. It’s an album that will put a smile on your face, and leave you with a sense of wonder.
Music
Koria Kitten Riot is an indie pop band that combines melodic songwriting with thought provoking lyrics. Their songs are a great way to escape the world for a while and relax.
The band’s music is influenced by Elliott Smith, Neutral Milk Hotel, and Wilco and their songs are laced with a blend of Americana, indie rock, and psychedelia. On their third full-length album, titled Songs of Hope and Science, the group combines these elements to make an uplifting record.
Helsinki, Finland-based indie band KKR is back with a new album that’s as catchy as it is poignant. Singer-songwriter Antti Reikko, who also plays in Johnny Superhero, leads the band with guitarist Teemu Vanska and bassist Olli Rahkonen.
With a sound that’s similar to the likes of Bishop Allen, the band’s ebullient and instrument-stuffed indie-pop is an infectious pleasure that makes me smile every time I listen to it. Whether I’m in a bad mood or just want something cheerful, KKR’s tunes always seem to find a way to brighten up my day.
Tracks such as ’Between a Pillow and a Soft Place’ feature Reikko’s voice in a glockenspiel-infused lullaby. He’s joined by a full band that includes guitars, keys, percussion, and backing vocals.
Reikko’s vocals are a definite highlight of the album, especially when they’re in harmony with the music. He’s a very talented and versatile songwriter who can deliver lyrics with great depth as well as sing with power.
He’s a musician, too; he uses acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, piano, glockenspiel, harmonica, and drums on the album, which was recorded on a shoe-string budget in his bedroom with a Behringer mixer connected to a MacBook. The final tracks were mixed by Eino Anttila, who’s worked with a number of big names in the industry including Jon Auer, Nick Drake, Damien Rice and the Flaming Lips.
It’s an impressive debut album for a singer-songwriter. He’s clearly learned a lot during the recording process and it seems that he’s found a style that fits him well. He’s got a great set of songs and I can’t wait to hear what he comes up with next.
Video
Finnish Indie-Pop act koriakittenriot have a knack for combining sunshine 1960s melodies with a punk and new wave edge. The band’s debut album Plays Jazz, released in 2014, was a pleasant surprise.
Their upcoming album Songs of Hope and Science, out January 27th via VILD Recordings, is a thematic fusion of americana, indie rock and psychedelia. The project was inspired by singer-songwriter Antti Reikko’s personal experiences, with the result being their most honest and developed recordings to date. The album features a hook-laden single, ‘The Earth Will Spin Around’. It’s well worth checking out. See them live this Friday at Pikku-Torre, Turku. Flavour of the Month!
Tour
Finnish band koriakittenriot is currently touring the US in support of their third album, Rich Men Poor Men Good Men. The record combines the indie rock tones of Elliott Smith and Neutral Milk Hotel with a pop sensibility that brings in influences from Bright Eyes and Mark Oliver Everett.
Fronted by singer-songwriter Antti Reikko, koriakittenriot has crafted a collection of songs that are filled with a lot of detail and ambitious instrumentation. The result is an album that leaves a smile on your face and a glint in your eyes. With their latest release, they’ve found a new home on VILD Recordings, and we can’t wait to see them live again. Check back for updates as they tour the US! Until then, be sure to check out some of their music below.