Koria Kitten Riot are a Helsinki, Finland indie-pop band. They’re a quintet led by singer-songwriter Antti Reikko, and they have an affinity for the giddy indie-pop of bands like The Flaming Lips and Elliott Smith.
Their latest album ‘Rich Men Poor Men Good Men’ is full of instrument-stuffed indie-pop that will make you smile. Reikko’s lyrics are also well-crafted, delivering songs that are full of detail and ambitious arrangements.
Lyrics
Lyrics are a term originating from the Greek lurikos (lurikos is a type of lyre), and derives from Latin lyricus, meaning “words set to music.” The words that make up a song typically consist of verses and choruses. However, lyrics can also be used to refer to the overall composition of an opera, and some rappers create lyrics with a variety of rhyming patterns.
For many, a band’s lyrics are an essential component of the listening experience, as they provide a deeper insight into the song’s meaning and pacing. Whether it’s a song with an obvious message or a tune that’s just plain fun, it’s important to find the best lyrics that suit your mood and taste.
Finnish indie-pop act koriakittenriot have mastered the art of writing lyrics that are both thoughtful and entertaining. Their latest effort, ‘Rich Men Poor Men Good Men’, sees them recasting themselves as a full-band for the first time and the results are stunning.
Formed in Helsinki in 2015, the five-piece are influenced by Elliott Smith, Neutral Milk Hotel and Wilco and their new album is the brainchild of songwriter Antti Reikko. Recorded in Berlin with Doug Van Sloan handling the mastering, ‘Rich Men Poor Men Good Man’ is an engaging and enjoyable listen that’s well worth adding to your collection. As a whole, the album stands as one of the most enthralling works I’ve heard in quite some time. It’s the kind of giddy, instrument-stuffed indie-pop that Annuals, Decemberists, Grandaddy and The Shins purveyed at the mid-’00s, and it will put a smile on your face and an ear wagging to boot.
Music
Hailing from Helsinki, Finland, koriakittenriot are an indie-folk band that’s fronted by Antti Reikko. He writes all the music and sings, plays acoustic guitar, glockenspiel, mandolin, piano, harmonica and more on this debut solo LP, which he recorded on a shoestring budget.
The band cites Elliott Smith, Wilco, Sufjan Stevens, and Bright Eyes among their influences, and their latest album, Songs of Hope and Science, is infused with these sounds. They recorded the record in Berlin with Doug Van Sloan (Bright Eyes, She & Him) handling mastering.
‘Songs of Hope and Science’ is an album that takes its cues from a world in turmoil, highlighting humanity’s frailties with an empathetic and slightly whimsical touch. It also has the ability to prod humanity’s ribs with a big stick, reminding us that hope does lie just around the corner.
In a time where many indie rock bands seem to focus on regressive and depressing themes, ‘Songs of Hope and Science’ focuses on uplifting ideas that will help us all move forward. This is done by writing about life in highly literate, sometimes even disarming fashion.
It’s a record that will make you smile, and it’ll leave you with a feeling of happiness and wonderment that is difficult to describe. It’s the sort of giddy, instrument-stuffed indie pop that Annuals, Decemberists and Grandaddy made popular during the mid-’00s. It’s a good thing, because it’s not easy to find this kind of music these days. It’s not for everyone, but if you like this type of music, it’s well worth a listen. You might even discover a new band to love! And if you do, then you can share your thoughts with us via the comments section below.
Video
The mid-00s was a great time for giddy, instrument-stuffed indie pop, with bands like Annuals, Decemberists and Grandaddy purveying a kind of whimsy that wasn’t being well represented on the radio. Koria Kitten Riot pick up that torch on Rich Men Poor Men Good Men, an album that makes me wish more bands were still able to make music this bouncy and lighthearted.
With this record, Helsinki’s indie-folk quintet fronted by Antti Reikko, take their songwriting approach to the next level. They adroitly combine intimate, heartfelt songwriting with ambitious arrangements that remind me of earlier Bright Eyes records.
They also have an ear for detail and a knack for songwriting that’s full of wonder. This reflects their resonant, indie-folk approach to making music and the infectious, uplifting nature of their songs.
In an age when the world seems to be slipping into a dark place, KKR write songs that poke fun at humanity’s flaws rather than wallow in self-pity. This is a positive outlook on life that’s echoed by their upcoming album, Songs of Hope and Science.
It’s a very thematic album that intertwines the themes of hope and science, ideas that have been brought on by the band’s own personal experiences as well as those of the wider world. And as always, the band have produced some delightfully crafted songs that’ll keep you going.
It’s an album that should be listened to by anyone who enjoys this kind of cheerful, indie-pop. You’ll be glad you did. It’ll put a smile on your face and leave you with a glint in your eye. It’s a fantastic debut, and one that I feel deserves more blog love than it has received so far.
Releases
Finnish indie rock act koriakittenriot release their third record and their first with a full band. Fronted by songwriter Antti Reikko, this is a band who have spent much of their career playing live and recording in Berlin.
Their new album Songs of Hope and Science was released on 27 January via VILD Recordings. The band have tie-dyed their guitar pop sound with a 60s folk rock flavour and good old-fashioned harmony singing, all while intertwining the album’s themes with hope and science.
The album is infused with the usual suspects from Elliott Smith to Wilco, but the biggest star here is their songwriting. This is where KKR really shine, with lyrics that don’t just get you thinking but also make you feel.
They’ve got a knack for writing cleverly designed riffs that will make your head spin and a whole slew of instruments to make their music sparkle. Their latest LP Rich Men Poor Men Good Men is the kind of record you can listen to in one sitting.
It’s the best kind of album to put on when you’re in need of some cheery, instrument-stuffed indie pop. There’s plenty to love here, from the aforementioned “Lights Out” to the coconuts that imitate horse clip-clops in the “The Lovers That You’ve Never Had”. This is an album to be listened to, and it’s definitely a must-have on your music list. You’ll be glad you did! You might even see it on a soundtrack to your next party. Until then, be sure to check out the album’s other tracks as well!