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Aboa Sleeping
[February 10, 2009] | [Shelflife Records]
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7.6/10
When you think Finland, you think rolling hills, thick wooded forests, and labyrinths of lakes and rivers. Basically, a beautiful landscape where one can enjoy the serenity of nature. But now, music has been added to the map of Finland by duo Burning Hearts. Jessika Rapo and Henry Ojala make up the band and have created a rather surprisingly good debut record that will bring back the 80’s synth pop sound that many of us have forgotten about over the years. Aboa Sleeping seems to ride the stereotypical fashion of synth pop, telling a warm tale of broken heart syndrome. The album, even through its simplicity, brings an affectionate feeling to your ears and heart as you ride its wave from beginning to end.
From the first couple seconds of the opening track entitled “I Lost My Colour Vision”, we are already contemplating whether the record was released in 1982 because of its electronic pop minimalism and quirky rhythm. The entire song is driven by organs and synthesizers as well as some electronic drums. As Rapo comes in with her soothing vocals, we are opened up to a heartfelt message of a strangely familiar experience of a broken heart. Everyone’s been there and it’s easy to connect with. Through this, listeners are able to venture with Rapo in her storytelling. As “Iris” starts up at track two, we are captured in a calming ballad that continues with thematic 80’s elements but somehow in a modern way. By track three, “Various Lives”, we are already entranced in the record and having a fun time listening to it. Rapo’s voice by now has hypnotized us with its calming, consoling structure. It’s rather beautiful in the way she bonds with the rhythm of each song and then molds with her listeners through her lyrics. Think Trembling Blue Stars with a little bit of Hope Sandoval mixed in maybe? “Various Lives” may be the best song on the album through its use of guitar fills and tender chord progression. The songwriting is at its strongest as well here throughout the entire record.
The next track, “The Galloping Horse”, gives us a glimpse into a lesson of the human heart. A rather educational lesson might I add. It’s pretty beautiful though here, as Ojala samples a beating, human heart and musically incorporates it with the sound of his instruments. This track, although not exactly a piece of gold, may be the most ambitious and gives us a great break from the rest of the record. Another great track captivates us immediately after and brings the most obvious 80’s beat. The track, “We Walk Amongst The Trees”, has the most fun edge of the entire album. The chorus is so upbeat and beautiful while the verses are quaint and unusually great. As we continue on with tracks such as “Sea Birds” and “A Peasant’s Dream” though, the songs start to trickle down in their elegance. These two tracks stray away from the upbeat, 80’s feel where we were able to mourn with Rapo but also feel intrigued at the same time. Instead, these tracks are dull and show an even more depressing side while leaving out the upbeat musical quality that we have fallen in love with prior. The last two tracks, “Close To Her” and “Aboa Sleeping” save the record from a disappointing failure. “Close To Her” includes some of the best chords of the album on the acoustic guitar and shows off some of the best lyrics on the album while “Aboa Sleeping” gives us the best possible conclusion and exit we could have possibly gotten. The melodies of these two tracks are incredibly gorgeous and we are left fulfilled.
Aboa Sleeping is a fairly surprising record that shows off some intriguing 80’s elements while also pertaining to a sad story of heart break and loneliness. The simplicity of the music on the record may take away from its storytelling but the music comes across beautiful because of its undemanding structure. If it weren’t for the two straggling tracks towards the end of this record, we might have a prize worthy debut album from Burning Hearts. Overall though, Aboa Sleeping is a rewarding and worthwhile listen for any curious listener.
-Eric
