Having seen Disco Ensemble  when they supported Brigade recently in Newcastle I knew how good they were in a live environment however, on record, they are even better. Having  released albums before in their homeland of Finland, 'First Aid Kit' is the band's debut release here in the UK and is almost indispensible... 

 In vocalist Miikka Koivisto Disco Ensemble have a someone with just the right attributes for a frontman, one minute he provides spiting, growling, anger filled screeches then the next wrapping his larynx round catchy as fuck melodic tracks . Oh and if that wasn't enough he is also responsible for the brilliant, but at times,  slightly off the wall lyrics. To offset Koivisto  Disco Ensemble alos boast the talents of one Jussi Ylikoski,a bit of guitar hero. Whilst he may not be the most technically gifted guitarist you’ll ever hear he is the master of textures and sounds, making all the songs stand out and altering is style, think of rock version of the Edge from U2 and you’ll get the idea. 

What about the songs then? 

Well from opener 'This Is My Head Exploding' with its angry lyrics to the closing strains of 'Sleep On The Wheel' this is an album that is all about the songs.  'We Might Fall Apart' possesses a chorus that will get in your head and not get out and 'Drop Dead Casanova' will undoubtedly be used by teenage girls everywhere to dump there boyfriends.

 Black Euro, the bands next single,will go down a storm on Scuzz with its clever video and the classic line “didn’t recognize you with your clothes on!” and 'First Aid Kit' is the best example of those off the wall lyrics I mentioned,  with it’s melancholy stance and the fact it's about a car crash victim. 

To sum up, 'First Aid Kit' is a great album, punky yet melodic at the same time with loads of different textures and ideas strewn throughout. A refreshing change from what I normally listen to... 

Let us know your views on 'First Aid Kit'

Track List

This Is My Head Exploding
We Might Fall Apart
Drop Dead, Casanova
Human Cannonball
Black Euro
First Aid Kit
Fresh New Blood 
See If I Care
So Long, Sisters
You Are The Dawn
Sleep On The Wheel

Line Up

Miikka Koivisto - Vocals/Keys
Jussi Ylikoski – Guitars
Lasse Lindfors – Bass
Mikko Hakila – Drums