Thanks to the always (mostly) right Scandipop, I have spent most of the weekend obsessing over ace new Finnish boy band, Satin Circus. This delectable foursome have already had one sizeable hit (in the shape of Emma - see mini review below) and their exuberant brand of guitar led pop music is vibrant enough from the get go to make you want to hear more. Their latest single, If You Love Me, is a great representation of what the band are trying to achieve - a showcase for the talents in being an actual band (ie, they play their own instruments like a teen friendly The Killers); an opportunity to show off the brilliantly engaging lead vocal from Krippe (but in a way that doesn't scream "look at me, I'm your best bet for a solo career", rather it complements the energetic instrumental & enhances the song); a chance to highlight the euphoric group vocals during the chorus that positively rockets to the moon and back with it's gleeful, hopeful refrain; and of course their best bet to strut around, do their thang, look pretty darn fine and engender conversation about which Circuser is the most attractive this week (obviously it's Paul. The bow tie undone look and curly hair is way too dreamy)... Essentially what you get in this rollicking pop tune is a romantic plea that's beautifully performed with impassioned vocals, driving instrumental with an addictive, compulsive beat and the perfect blend of indie-pop and boyband pop. It's a song that will sound great on British (or any) radio, leaving you feeling satisfied & uplifted by the time it's finished. It's more McFly than One Direction but should appeal to fans of both. I'm now beyond eager for the debut album... Oh! And if that wasn't enough there is a mighty fine video to accompany it. Here are some of my favourite bits...
- It starts off with shots of a lovely sunny morning, which is most welcome on this brisk cold British autumn day. The sun is shining through to some woodlands and a meadow - I half expected a girl with beautiful flowing hair to come running on declaring how Timotei keeps her locks looking shiny AND healthy...:P
- Luckily it's not a hair commercial but (OBVIOUSLY) the video for If You Love Me by Satin Circus. Krippe decides to climb up some old moss covered log to get a better look at what's going on. He's got no shoes on so I bet his feet are filthy (though what a free spirit, eh?!)
- The band are all on some waterfront dock doing their thang. They are surrounded by Chinese Lanterns blowing in the breeze, so it's probably a bit nippy. No wonder they all have jackets on. Regardless of this, each band member's hair is perfectly coiffed in it's own messy-but-amazing way and doesn't budge an inch :)
- I really like Axel's red chinos - can't beat a splash of vibrant colour on your bottom half. Also, as previously mentioned, Paul's bow tie look is to die for. In fact I might trial that at work tomorrow, see how it goes down. I'm always more quirkily/sartorially styled than the people I work with anyway :)
- 30s - I love a good keyboard shot! Often bands focus on the guitar playing or the energetic drumming (sterling work by Olli in that department by the way) and the poor keyboards get overlooked. As a pianist myself I think this is a bit of a shame. I mean, Billy Joel and Elton John both launched highly successful careers based on their brilliant piano riffs. Why not give the 88 keys their due??! Well done Satin Circus!
- Back in the woods, Krippe jumps down from his look out log as a dung beetle crawls out of the woody floor. I hope he doesn't step on the little insect. I've seen Disney Pixar's Bugs and they can be quite cute in cartoon format!!
- If you pause at 45s exactly you get a very nice Paul solo shot. I'm jus' saying, you know, in case this was of any interest to you ladeez or dude lovin' dudes out there ;)
- The band performance during the chorus is just exactly what it should be - full of dynamic intensity, spirt and drive as they all allow the song to infuse every fibre of their being. Their love of the craft shines through - and it makes the listener/viewer love the song even more :) Happiness!
- Back in the woods, Axel is chopping wood. How manly :) I'm rubbish at this - if I even get the axe to go in the wood it sends shudders up my arm. If the wood actually breaks by some miraculous occurrence, I do a bit of a girly scream. Is a scream still girly if it is in the woods and no-one can hear you??! :P
- Axel has just the axe aside in a cavalier fashion with no thought for health and safety or risk assessments. But that is what happens when you are in a boy band. You grab life (and the pile of wood) by the horns and ride it for all it's worth...
- Krippe is strolling barefoot along the beach dragging his guitar in the sand behind him. He moseys straight into the water and doesn't even flinch - you know how when you are at the seaside and you first dip your toe in and then run away squealing because it's too cold? None of that for Krippe. He's all "f*** you water! I'm walking in you whether you are cold or not!!" :P
- Blimey - they are not fond of inanimate objects are they, these SC fellas?! Krippe grabs his guitar and flings it into the ocean/lake giving it some right welly as we Brits would say (with gusto, the rest of the world)! It is quite a cool slo-motion shot though so kudos for that :)
- Drummer Olli is carrying some rocket style fireworks around. He looks all mean and moody so naturally he's hoping to light someone's spark, etc etc. Axel is still carrying his chopped wood around, and he also looks quite good with his shirt unbuttoned and his sleeves jhuzzed up! Yes it's a word :)
- Poor Paul is all adrift, alone in a boot in the middle of the water. At least he has his guitar (or picked up the one Krippe flung away!) I hope he's not stranded. I'LL RESCUE HIM :D
- The woodland actions of the lads start to come together - Axel drops his firewood off, Olli lights his rockets and fireworks fill the sky. Perhaps the message is, if you love me we'll reach for the stars, etc. Whatever - it's all very nice indeed :)
It's Axel not Alex ;D
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