Jaakko Laitinen & Väärä Raha – Äyskäri (Playground Music, 2024)
Jaakko Laitinen & Väärä Raha, the Lapland-Balkan fusion band, released their seventh album, Äyskäri, on September 27 via Playground Music. The album marks a return to the acoustic style of their early work, enriched by 15 years of growth and experience. Äyskäri features compositions by the band members. These are joyful, toe tapping, sing along songs that mesh together diverse influences ranging from Finnish folk to virtuoso accordion, masterful bouzouki, and lively brass band sections that reflect each artist’s unique style.
Lyrically, Äyskäri expands beyond the band’s early themes of love, venturing into topics like outer space and deeper philosophical reflections while maintaining a personal touch. A notable collaboration on the closing track, “Minä soin,” features guest artist Niillas Holmberg from Utsjoki. Additionally, the album introduces a composition from outside the band for the first time, Matti Mikkola’s “Oumuamua,” inspired by a mysterious interstellar object.
Recorded live in the studio without overdubs, the album captures the band’s vibrant, authentic sound, echoing the energy of their performances.
Musicians: Jaakko Laitinen on vocals; Ilkka Arola on trumpet, bouzuki; Marko Roininen on accordion; Juho Kanervo on double bass; and Janne Hast on drums.
Buy Äyskäri.
Author: JGurski
