Album Review: Halfway Joe’s Wanna Know How? – A Finnish Rock Gem That Sneaks Up On Ya
Alright, buckle up, rock fans. We’re diving into Wanna Know How?, the 2016 self-released debut from Finland’s Halfway Joe. It’s not gonna blow your socks off like some big-budget arena rock nonsense, but it’s got enough grit, heart, and weird charm to make you hit repeat a couple times. Plus, let’s be real—any band bold enough to name themselves after being halfway done with something deserves at least one listen.
First off, kudos to the gang for pulling this together without a fancy label breathing down their necks. The whole thing feels DIY in the best way possible—raw edges, honest vibes, and zero pretense. You’ve got HP Hannula belting out vocals like he means every word (spoiler: he probably does), Sakari Rossi shredding on guitar like it owes him money, and Tuukka Tenhunen keeping time on drums like a metronome with attitude. Oh, and props to Antti Toivonen for the artwork; it’s simple yet striking, kinda like the music itself.
Now, onto the tracks. Let’s zoom in on two standouts that stuck with me long after my first spin:
"Snake In A Bottle"
This track is pure earworm gold. From the opening riff, it grabs hold of your brain and refuses to let go. Rossi’s guitar work here is sneaky-smart—it starts off all chill, then builds into this gnarly little crescendo that makes you wanna air-guitar in your kitchen. Meanwhile, HP’s vocals are dripping with swagger, delivering lines that feel both cryptic and oddly relatable. What’s the snake? What’s the bottle? Who cares! It’s catchy as hell, and sometimes that’s all you need.
"Wanna Know How?"
The title track brings the energy down just a smidge but cranks up the moodiness. This one feels like staring out a rainy window while pondering life choices—melancholy, introspective, and oddly comforting. The rhythm section, courtesy of Aki Sääksjärvi on bass and Tenhunen on drums, lays down a groove so smooth it could lull a baby to sleep (or maybe that’s just me). And when those backing vocals kick in? Chills. Pure chills.
Oh, quick shoutout to Jami Honkala for recording and mixing this bad boy—it sounds polished without losing its rough-around-the-edges charm. Tero Koski also nailed the mastering, giving everything a crispness that lets each instrument shine.
So yeah, Wanna Know How? isn’t gonna rewrite the rules of rock or anything, but it doesn’t have to. It’s a solid effort from a group of dudes clearly passionate about what they do. Halfway Joe might not be reinventing the wheel, but damn if they don’t know how to keep it rolling.
And hey, fun fact: Finland has more heavy metal bands per capita than any other country. Maybe these guys are just trying to bring some balance to the scene with their straight-up rock vibes. Or maybe they’re secretly plotting world domination through killer hooks and heartfelt lyrics. Either way, I’m here for it.
Final thought? If you’re looking for an album that’s equal parts fist-pumping anthems and “whoa, that’s deep” moments, give Wanna Know How? a shot. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself humming “Snake In A Bottle” during your next Zoom meeting.
Rating: 7.5/10
Because nobody’s perfect—not even Finnish rockers.
