Album Review

Helsinki Seven – Helsinki Seven

• 26th Sep 2009

Helsinki Seven show some promise and a knack for a vitriolic post-hardcore song on this self-titled debut. The first track, ‘Transmission for the People’, sets the precedent for the following nine; each a nicely brief and highly moshable barrage of emo aggro.

Singer/guitarist Joe Penny has an ear for a thumping riff, and it’s his metal-influenced guitar that backbones the tracks on this album, tracks embellished with some massive choruses – ‘Waiting for a Hero’ has a particularly rousing climax – and well-executed harmonies. The songs vary in heaviness from shouty hardcore to borderline pop-punk, but the album remains driving and uptempo, suited to teen-angst-fuelled bed-jumping.

There’s not much terribly original about what Helsinki do – familiar loud/quiet dynamics and emo shout/singing harmonies abound on the well-worn path they tread – but the gusto with which it’s done makes this a worthwhile and memorable listen.