Surely Finland’s finest export, the Von Hertzen Brothers released the album of their career with 2022’s Red Alert in the Blue Forest, so it was with high expectations that we awaited their new studio effort, In Murmuration. So how does it stack up? Well, for a start, it’s very different, and that’s probably not a bad thing. The temptation to try to recreate past glories is never a great idea, and so In Murmuration is sharper, more concise, and (dare I say it?) more commercial. The brothers’ progressive tendencies aren’t eradicated, but they have been reigned back somewhat in favour of a more direct song based approach. The result is a strong collection of accessible and memorable songs with few solos, but laden with hooks and crafted to perfection.
A very welcome addition to the band personnel wise is Marcus Pajakkala on sax, who guested on the previous album to such devastating effect on Peace Patrol, and has now been recruited as a full member. He immediately makes his presence felt on the frantic opener, The Relapse, a wild rocker where Markus wails away adding to the party atmosphere. The pace is driven by Sami Kuoppamäki on blistering drums and Jonne’s rumbling bass, while Kie and Mikko thrash away relentlessly. It’s the sort of cracking start that sets the scene for what’s to come.
A Good Life follows at a more sedate pace, and punctuated by a memorable synth riff, it gets embedded in your head and won’t be dislodged. Soon, Starlings gets the energy levels back into overdrive, on a song which is inspired by the marvellous murmurations performed by these amazing birds. Markus Pajakkala again provides the only solo with his finely judged sax break. It’s the sort of song I imagine the Von Hertzen’s could write in their sleep, it just seems to come so naturally to them.
Ascension Day by contrast is an anthemic sing along rocker which was made for the stage, with crowd participation compulsory! What crowd could possibly resist joining with the band on this joyous song? It contrasts completely with Beneath The Silver Stars, a shimmering beautiful ballad, sung passionately by Mikko, and brings the first half of the record to a close. It’s quite noticeable that In Murmuration comes in two distinct halves; the first being broadly a continuation of some of the environmental themes they explored on Red Alert in the Blue Forest, while the second half deals with the different stages of a faltering personal relationship.
Tightrope Walker is a somewhat vitriolic song, but made somehow so much more approachable with its swaggering style which sounds as though it’s inspired by Queens of the Stone Age, but with a slightly tricky time signature thrown in for good measure. Disillusionment sets in with The Change, where this relationship seems to have reached a point of no return. Musically, it starts out quite happy, but gradually slips into a more melancholy mood, setting us up for the heartbreakingly stark Separation, a short piece sung in a cracked voice by Mikko accompanied by Jonne on piano. It’s a moment of vulnerability and beauty.
Snowstorm is perhaps a more typical Von Hertzen Brothers track, introduced with big drums rather similar to the opening of When The Levee Breaks, with a wonderful repetitive riff from Kie and vocal from Mikko. It’s a huge song, with fantastic harmonies, and that relentless riff pushing onwards. It could have sat happily on War Is Over or Red Alert, and proves that the brothers aren’t done with their proggy side just yet. The haunting Wait For Me closes the album with an emotional plea from the heart, and is a moving conclusion to a varied and satisfying piece of work.
Whilst it may not quite match the dizzying high points of the last album for me, it is nevertheless a great album. The band write such memorable songs in their own inimitable style, yet manage to make each album distinct from their previous work. They are craftsmen who consistently manage to avoid repeating themselves, yet keep their identity intact. That takes class.
TRACK LISTING
01. The Relapse (5:30)
02. A Good Life (3:32)
03. Starlings (3:13)
04. Ascension Day (5:07)
05. Beneath The Silver Stars (5:13)
06. Tightrope Walker (4:34)
07. The Change (4:04)
08. Separation (1:48)
09. Snowstorm (6:19)
10. Wait For Me (6:08)
Total Time – 45:28
MUSICIANS
Mikko Von Hertzen – Vocals, Guitars
Kie Von Hertzen – Guitars, Vocals
Jonne Von Hertzen – Bass, Keyboards, Vocals
Sami Kuoppamäki – Drums
Markus Pajakkala – Saxophone, Flute, Keyboards
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Independent
Country of Origin: Finland
Date of Release: 25th October 2024
LINKS
Von Hertzen Brothers – Website | Facebook | YouTube | X | Instagram
