By David O’Neill
Erja Lyytinen, the Finnish blues guitarist and singer, once again demonstrates her extraordinary prowess with the release of her latest album, ‘Smell the Roses.’ This compilation is a testament to her evolving artistry and her ability to blend traditional blues with contemporary rock influences, producing a sound that is both timeless and refreshingly modern.
The eponymous song, ‘Smell The Roses,’ is a mesmerizing blend of soulful lyrics and intricate guitar work. With guitar distortion that has bit of Blue Oyster Cult sound to it and Erja’s voice, rich and emotive, it invites listeners to pause and appreciate the simple beauties of life, much like the metaphor of stopping to smell the roses. The intro is a gentle reminder of life’s fleeting moments and the importance of savouring them.
Erja Lyytinen’s mastery over her guitar is evident throughout the album. Each track showcases her technical skills and her deep understanding of the blues genre. Nowhere more so than on Going to Hell, however the twist in the track is the neo-prog styling in the blistering opening before the sensational breakdown and a return to the prog styling of the opening for the outro . The solos are not just displays of virtuosity but are imbued with emotion, telling stories of love, loss, and hope.
The drop D tuning in ‘Abyss’ garners an image of being as low as a snakes belly and the thumping bassline carries the track through, with the clear vocals reminding me of Sinead O’Connor in parts. The gut wrenching breakdown and very emotive solo grabs your attention throughout the seven-minute track. Sensational.
‘Wings To Fly’ is about loss and wishing the best for your important other. The song has a structure similar to parts of ‘Don’t Fear The Reaper’ and is well crafted, demonstrating an ability to connect with the lyrical emotion within the song. Much like many Scandinavian musicians (e.g The Von Hertzen Brothers) there is a greater awareness of the beauty in nature and the effect humans can have on it. This is demonstrated well in ‘Dragonfly’.
The rapidfire guitar on the opening of ‘The Ring’ takes a completely different direction and rips throughout the track on what appears to be about an opportunity to fight for something. ‘Ball And Chain’ has a very early ’70s poprock feel to it with a good hook and chorus and some slide guitar included (who doesn’t like a bit of slide?). ‘Stoney Creek’ has a deep southern blues edge to the guitar hook and the lazy riff underlying the main track carries the song well throughout which is apparently about a fateful hiking trip.
The final track, ‘Empty Hours’ is apparently about lost love and the guitar playing gives this emotive edge that simply underlies the tormented vocal meaning in the song, a melancholy trip through failed relationships and lost love with a sublime guitar riff at the breakdown that exemplifies this.
One of the standout tracks for me is the prog-infused journey of ‘Going To Hell’. This song is a perfect example of Lyytinen’s talent for merging poignant storytelling with musical excellence.
The lyrical composition of ‘Smell the Roses’ is another aspect where Lyytinen shines. Her words are both poetic and relatable, touching on themes such as introspection, personal growth, and the complexities of human emotions Lyytinen’s ability to weave stories through her music adds a profound layer to the overall listening experience.
The production quality of ‘Smell the Roses’ is impeccable. The album is a seamless blend of various musical elements, each track meticulously crafted to ensure a cohesive sound. The crispness of the guitar tones, the clarity of Erja’s vocals, and the balanced mix of the accompanying instruments all contribute to an enriching auditory experience. The attention to detail in the production process is evident and enhances the overall impact of the album.
Erja Lyytinen’s ‘Smell The Roses’ is a triumph in the realm of blues rock. It is a celebration of her musical journey and her ability to continually innovate while staying true to her roots. Each track is a testament to her artistry, offering listeners a blend of emotional depth, technical brilliance, and lyrical beauty. The album is not just a collection of songs but an invitation to reflect, feel, and embrace the nuances of life.
‘Smell The Roses’ is a must-listen for fans of blues and rock alike. Erja Lyytinen has crafted an album that is both a homage to the traditional blues and a step forward in the genre’s evolution. It is an album that will undoubtedly resonate with listeners, leaving a lasting impression and solidifying Lyytinen’s place as a formidable force in the music industry. Whether you are a long-time admirer of her work or new to her music, ‘Smell The Roses’ is an album that promises to captivate and inspire all who listen.
- ‘Smell The Roses‘ will be released tomorrow )Friday 28 March).
- Erja Lyytinen tours next month:
