Aurinkolaulu by Muuan Mies: A Wild, Genre-Bending Ride Through Finland’s Soul
Alright, let me just start by saying this—Aurinkolaulu is one of those albums that makes you go “wait… what did I just listen to?” But in the best way possible. Released back in 2016 under Helmi Levyt, it’s like someone took Alternative, Rock, Reggae, Hip Hop, Folk, World, and Country music, threw them all into a blender, and hit puree. And somehow, it works. Like, really works.
The brainchild of Ismo Puhakka (who handles vocals, lyrics, writing, AND executive production—busy guy!), this album feels deeply personal but also kinda chaotic in the most beautiful way. You can tell every note was crafted with care, even if it doesn’t always follow traditional rules. It’s messy, raw, and full of heart—a true reflection of its Finnish roots.
Now, let’s talk tracks because there are two songs here that stuck with me long after the first listen: “Tsygä Rullaa” and “Mustikka-Ukko.”
First up, “Tsygä Rullaa.” Oh man. This track hits hard right outta the gate. There’s something hypnotic about how the drums (courtesy of Arwi Lind) keep pounding away while Ismo’s voice floats over everything like smoke. The lyrics feel cryptic at first, but once they sink in, you realize he’s talking about life’s absurdity—how we’re all just rolling along, trying not to lose our minds. Honestly? Every time I hear it, I get chills. Like, who knew reggae-infused existential dread could sound so damn good?
Then there’s “Mustikka-Ukko,” which is basically my new favorite summer jam. Picture this: lazy afternoons, sunshine streaming through trees, and you sitting on some rickety porch sipping lemonade. That’s the vibe this song gives off. The bassline from Mikko Leinonen is groovy as hell, and Ismo’s storytelling paints such vivid pictures—you can practically taste the wild blueberries he sings about. It’s playful yet nostalgic, like remembering childhood summers when everything felt infinite.
What gets me about Aurinkolaulu, though, isn’t just the music itself—it’s the people behind it. Jeremias Nieminen killed it with the artwork and photography; the whole aesthetic screams “DIY passion project.” And Risto Ylihärsilä deserves a shoutout for both recording AND playing keyboards—he adds layers to these songs that make ‘em feel alive. Even Tommi Langen’s mastering job shines through, giving each track clarity without losing its rough edges.
But here’s the thing—I don’t think I’ll ever fully understand this album. Maybe that’s okay. Sometimes art doesn’t need to be figured out; sometimes it just needs to exist, weird and wonderful and unapologetically itself.
So yeah, Aurinkolaulu might not change your life, but it’ll definitely mess with your head—in a good way. And honestly? If an album can do that, maybe it already has changed your life. Or at least made it a little brighter. Funny how sunshine sounds so strange sometimes.
