Shiraz Lane – Vibration I EP (2020) Album Review
The Scandinavian music scene has been rich in rock and metal bands for ages. From Europe and Hanoi Rocks to Backyard Babies and The 69 Eyes, and all the way to the present day, the northernmost countries of Europe continue to produce a large number of high-quality bands, including many fresh and young talents.
This time, our story takes us to Finland, a country that can be said to have the highest number of rock and metal bands per capita. One of them, from the small town of Vantaa, adjacent to the capital Helsinki, is a young and promising five-member band called Shiraz Lane. They first embarked on their rock ‘n’ roll dreams back in 2011, performing mostly locally until 2014, when they marked a significant milestone by playing in Toronto, Canada. A year later, they released their first EP, titled Be The Slave Or Be The Change. From that moment on, their career skyrocketed. They began performing across Finland, Canada, and Japan and played at major festivals like Wacken Open Air.
In 2016, Shiraz Lane released their debut album, For Crying Out Loud, under the well-known Italian record label Frontiers Records. Two years later, they followed up with their second album, Carnival Days. These two albums tell two completely different stories—while the debut stays true to the classic Scandinavian sleaze-glam metal style, inspired by their predecessors like Crashdïet, the second album takes a more modern approach, featuring catchy choruses, the use of saxophone and keyboards, and strong influences from Michael Monroe, a Finnish rock legend and the frontman of Hanoi Rocks.
In January 2020, Shiraz Lane released a new EP titled Vibration I, featuring five brand-new songs, serving as a continuation of Carnival Days. The personnel involved in this release were:
- Vocals: Hannes Kett
- Lead Guitar: Jani Laine
- Rhythm Guitar: Miki Kalske
- Bass Guitar: Joel Alex
- Drums: Ana Willman
1. Keep It Alive
The EP opens with the energetic and exciting track Keep It Alive. With its groovy riff, party-like vibe, and catchy choruses, it instantly pulls the listener into the record. The song features several “woohoo” moments, giving it a pop-rock edge. As the track progresses, the energy builds up, leading to an explosive, adrenaline-fueled chorus. Vocalist Hannes Kett showcases his impressive vocal abilities, making this song a fantastic opener.
2. Do You
The second track, Do You, carries a similar vibe to the previous song. Released as a single in 2019, it also received a music video. This was the first song I ever heard from Shiraz Lane, and I was instantly hooked. It’s a feel-good rock song, perfect for a cool, modern rock ‘n’ roll party, packed with catchy melodies and vibrant energy reminiscent of Carnival Days.
3. Revolution
This track stands out as something truly special on the EP. It opens with a powerful mid-tempo riff, backed by strong supporting vocals and anthemic choruses. It’s one of those songs that immediately sticks with the listener. The lyrics encourage unity and uplift the audience in a somewhat pacifist, hippie way, emphasizing the message: “We can do it all the way.” Another perfect track for a rock ‘n’ roll party!
4. You Will Remain
The final original track on the EP, You Will Remain, could be considered the highlight of the entire release. This power ballad starts with soft, calming notes that gradually build into an emotional storm, culminating in a powerful chorus. Musically, it blends classic power rock ballads with modern high-end production, reminiscent of Sixx:A.M.. Vocalist Hannes Kett demonstrates a whole new range of vocal abilities, skillfully switching between clean and sleaze vocals. Without a doubt, one of the band’s most striking songs.
5. To The Moon And Back
The final track, as the title suggests, is a cover of Savage Garden’s 1996 classic. There’s not much to say here—Shiraz Lane managed to retain the essence of the original while simultaneously infusing it with their own sound. A great choice! This song was a staple in their 2019 tour setlist.
After the highly successful Carnival Days album, this EP serves as a direct continuation of that musical journey. These young musicians from a small Finnish town, all born in the 1990s, have been building their name steadily and patiently, step by step, and they certainly have a lot to be proud of. Vibration I is solid proof of their dedication and talent.
The sequel, Vibration II, was originally set for release, but due to the pandemic, it was postponed indefinitely. Nevertheless, Shiraz Lane is a band with huge potential, often categorized under the New Wave of Classic Rock movement—a term coined by the prestigious Classic Rock magazine. In our words, Shiraz Lane can be categorized as the modern glam/sleaze hair metal band, as this influences are obvious in their music and approach.
As for us, this is one of those hidden gems that will likely remain undiscovered in our region, while people continue to claim that rock music is dead. For that very reason, we’ll keep following the journey of this magical Finnish five-piece.
Written by: DP
Sign Up For Regular Updates From Junkyard World
