A couple of months back, at a seemingly ordinary night at The Social (TLOBF’s official drinking den), I was struck by one of the most almighty sounds I’d heard all year. The sheer power and intensity of the music flooding out of the bulging PA was literally doubling me over. So much so, that even now – I hanker after the feeling that seeing Joensuu 1685 in the flesh gave me. The song in question, which gave me such gratifying chills was their 10 minute psychedelic workout of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m On Fire”. Motorik bass, relentless drumming and swathes of feedback – it was hypnotic and so intense that re-living it now through these words makes me a little short of breath.
Thank fuck then, that cooler-than-thou London independent Fitzrovian Phonographic are releasing a version of ”I’m On Fire” (albeit a watered down but still essential 5 minute edit) on limited edition 7″ white vinyl on Monday. For those unfamiliar with Joensuu 1685, the band is formed of two brothers Mikko and Markus Joensuu and (of same name but not a relative) Risto Joensuu. If you love A Place To Bury Strangers, Spiritualized, My Bloody Valentine and XTMTR-era Primal Scream then I urge you to investigate further. There’s some fine bands drawing on similar influences of course, but rarely will you hear it crafted with such precision.
The 7” release will be available from Rough Trade & Piccadilly from Monday 18th January and will come with a download code for the two vinyl tracks (‘I’m On Fire’ and b-side ‘Perfect Grace’) plus an extra 3rd track ‘Nothingness’ to complete the EP. The vinyl is extremely limited at 333 copies, make sure you pick one up!
Joensuu 1685 will be over to play a handful of shows in London, Manchester & Glasgow. The great news is that they’ll be back at The Social on the release date with support from Chapter Sweetheart & Oh Ruin. Essential – DO NOT MISS!
January
18 – The Social, London
20 – The Ruby Lounge, Manchester
21 – The Captain’s Rest, Glasgow
mp3:> Joensuu 1685: “I’m On Fire”
Buy the 7″ from Rough Trade
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Going to see these on Wednesday – can’t wait after that write up.