Label: Piirivuoren Polkka Releasedate: 15-12-2020
Bastard Town is Finnish formation with some names you must have seen before if you are a dedicated Tempelores reader. This project comes now with a debut album they simply called “Bastard Town”.
What you expect is perhaps not the most standard sound you come across, but yet it has a commercial hook to it. In the basis you find alternative metal and some folk, country even, influences. On some songs you hear a hint of Gojira’s latest endeavors however the atmosphere at some tracks, for example album opener “Vast Plain”, reminds also to the Swedish Fever Ray. Having a couple of spins done you might lean a bit more towards The Common Linnets in a heavier jacket.
Looking at the tracks individually you find a lot of intensity in “Reverend”, a track that has a certain catchiness into it and will drag you into it while listening. It is “Cowboyman” that brings a smile on your face but looking at the song that impresses most it is the closer of the album called “Voodoo”. It feels personal and heartfelt and leaves you with your thought as it ends.
The open feel of this album and the easyness you can listen to it make that after eleven tracks the band has left a mark. Bastard Town releases an album that has arena-esk allure. Coldplay may retire safely now. An album that made me change my top 5 for the yearlist. And that usually does not happen. Says it all, one to pick up and enjoy now.
Line up:
Teemu Ruokonen
Pekka Vihervalli
Matias Aaltonen
Esa Pajunen
Pia Aaltonen
Tracklist
1. Vast Plain
2. No Rules All Game
3. Bastard Town
4. Refill My Soul
5. Cowboyman
6. You Weren’t There
7. Reverend
8. Dead Horses
9. Boys in Them Shackles
10. Freak Saloon
11. Voodoo