Kiki Pau - Let's rock
(Pyramid/Johanna Kustannus)

Kiki Pau are an elusive beast. I hear elements of "London calling"-era Clash, especially the appreciation of old-school ska and reggae, and the Kooks' songwriting in "Bobby Marley"; rockabilly and indie frameworks ensnarl themselves around angular, playful guitar work akin to that of Franz Ferdinand in "Your bedroom"; the opening of "Poses" reminds me of The Smiths' "Rusholme ruffians", only to evoke much more contemporary British references in the verse and chorus; the break in "Chronic puberty" pays skillful homage to the Beach Boys; and "Berlin" brings to mind Razorlight and Longwave. Pair this ability to freely, mischievously wheel all through the indie rock (80s, 90s, and contemporary), swing, and rockabilly genres (just to name a few) with strong, clever vocals, references to Steinbeck (in a song titled "Bukowski"), and you have a fantastic record that's made all the stronger by its complicated relationship with both melancholy and summery pop, seemingly unable to deal with one without the other.
- Lars Garvey Laing-Peterson