Album Review: Rekiretki Kun Joulupukki Suukon Sai by Klaus Van Der Kampf Ja PallosalamaOrkesteri
Alright, buckle up, folks. If you’re into folk tunes that feel like a warm hug from your grandma but with a quirky twist, this Finnish gem is worth a spin. Released under Hi-Hat label, Rekiretki Kun Joulupukki Suukon Sai by Klaus Van Der Kampf Ja PallosalamaOrkesteri is one of those albums that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. It’s not trying too hard to be cool—it just is. And honestly? That’s refreshing.
Let’s dive straight into the tracks. First off, “Rekiretki.” Oh man, this one sticks to your brain like syrup on pancakes. The melody has this playful bounce to it, almost like someone’s telling you an inside joke through their fiddle. You can practically picture snow-covered fields and reindeer trotting along as the tune unfolds. There’s something about the way the accordion weaves in and out—it’s mischievous yet comforting, like stealing cookies from the jar knowing full well your mom won’t mind. This track isn’t just music; it’s storytelling without words, and damn, does it work.
Then there’s “Kun Joulupukki Suukon Sai,” which translates to… well, let’s just say Santa got himself a smooch. Now, I don’t know what kind of wild holiday shenanigans they have going on in Finland (probably involving saunas and weirdly strong liquor), but this song feels like the soundtrack to all of it. It’s jolly, slightly chaotic, and makes you wanna grab a mug of glögi and dance awkwardly around the Christmas tree. The rhythm builds up so naturally, you barely notice how catchy it is until you’ve hummed it for three days straight. Props to whoever arranged this—your secret genius didn’t go unnoticed.
What stands out most about this album is its authenticity. It doesn’t try to be anything other than itself—a mix of Folk, World, and Country vibes filtered through a distinctly Finnish lens. Sure, some parts might sound rough around the edges, but isn’t that kinda the point? Perfection gets boring after a while. This record keeps things real, unpolished, and brimming with character.
Now here’s the kicker: listening to this album made me realize how much joy can come from simplicity. In a world obsessed with flashy production and TikTok trends, these songs remind us that sometimes, all you need is a good story, a hearty laugh, and maybe a drunk uncle playing tambourine in the background. So do yourself a favor—give Rekiretki Kun Joulupukki Suukon Sai a listen. Just don’t blame me if you start craving gingerbread cookies at midnight.
Oh, and P.S., I still haven’t figured out why Santa needed that kiss. Maybe he was having a rough year? Food for thought.
