Joensuu 1685’s debut record was released in
2008, at the tail end of the noughties boom in Nordic melodic post-rock.
That was a large and eclectic movement, which went in numerous directions:
e.g., Iceland’s Sigur Rós aiming for
anthemic movie soundtrack, Norway’s Poor Rich Ones injecting a
singer-songwriter vibe, and Denmark’s Efterklang venturing off
into the wilds of experimental weirdness. As one of Finland’s notable
contributors to that particular post-rock party, Joensuu 1685 added
indie rock (and even a touch of grunge) with great results. But then that was it: one album and
done. 12 years later, though, suddenly (and completely unexpectedly) album 2
has arrived. And it is way better
than could reasonably have been expected of any band returning after a more
than decade long hiatus. The rough edges of their debut have been wisely sanded
down, although an indie rock underpinning remains on at least some of ÖB’s tracks. Added to
the mix is a confident – almost lazily confident – dollop of shoegaze, which
sees Joensuu 1685 moving away from the complex end of post-rock
and instead opening their arms to offer up a soft, symphonic hug. It’s lovely.
And it’s good timing. 2020 definitely could do with a hug.