JONNE – Jonne (2014)

We are here to talk a little about the debut solo album of the frontman of the cult Korpiklaani. Those finns are known with their endless parties, cheerful music and the industrial quantities of alcohol they sing about – and of course, taste – for maximum authenticity. Here Jonne Järvelä stands out of this image and presents us a different side. A few songs that are so far away from all this ethanol metal that makes them even more beautiful.

In the self titled work of the project, every thing is perfectly neat and it’s felt just how much attention has been paid to it. The lyrics in Finnish makes it harder to immerse in the magic, but the melodies are also sufficient. Seems like they just have come out of Northern groves, the songs capture with a leisurely and uninhibited vocals in unison with the setting. The folk of Jonne meets some more interesting moments as well: some gypsy elements in ‘Viuluni Laula Soutaa’ and the Arkona-like singing in‘Metsaan On Iaksi Mieli’. A pleasant surprise here is ‘Joki’ – ‘Boat on the river’ in Finnish, as well as the bonus track with country elements – the cover of ‘The Boxer’ – the only one here in English.

Jonne will enchant you with its casual brevity and alternate happier and more slowly-nostalgic songs. The musician we’re familiar with has led us on a walk in the nature, picked up the acoustic guitar, ready to tell us interesting and mythical tales from his native land.

9/10