Album Review: Northern Lights by Oulu Hotshots
Alright, let’s dive into Northern Lights by Oulu Hotshots. This album is a real treat if you’re into Folk, World, and Country vibes with a dash of Polka thrown in for good measure. Released under Inland Sea Recording, it’s got that homespun charm you don’t hear much these days. And hey, coming out of the US, it’s kinda wild how they’ve nailed this Finnish-inspired folk sound. Props to them for pulling it off without sounding like they’re trying too hard.
Now, I gotta say, there are some tracks here that just stick with you. Take “Jatkan Humpaa,” for instance. It’s one of those tunes where you can practically picture yourself at a barn dance in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by people stomping their feet and laughing like crazy. The energy is infectious—like, you can’t help but tap your toes or maybe even attempt a clumsy polka move (trust me, I tried). There’s something about the way the accordion bounces around that makes it impossible not to smile.
Then there’s “Harbor Lights.” Man, this one hits different. It’s slower, moodier, and feels like staring out at the ocean late at night when everything’s quiet except for the waves. The melody has this nostalgic pull to it, like remembering an old friend you haven’t seen in years. It’s simple but powerful, you know? Like, it doesn’t need fancy tricks to grab your attention—it just does.
Of course, the rest of the album keeps things interesting too. Tracks like “Tennessee Waltz” and “Blue Skirt Waltz” bring that classic waltz vibe we all secretly love, while “Kymmenen Kynnen Kanssa” throws you back into full-on folk mode. Honestly, it’s impressive how the band switches between moods so effortlessly.
One thing I noticed is how the whole album feels cohesive, even though it jumps between styles. Whether it’s upbeat polkas or dreamy waltzes, there’s always this thread of authenticity tying everything together. You can tell these guys aren’t just playing music—they’re living it.
So yeah, Northern Lights isn’t perfect, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s the kind of album that reminds you why folk music matters—it’s raw, honest, and unapologetically human. And honestly, after listening to it, I kinda wanna learn how to polka properly. Or at least find someone who knows how to teach me. Who knew a bunch of tunes could make me want to trade my sneakers for dancing shoes?
Final takeaway: If you’re looking for something that’ll warm your soul and maybe get your feet moving, give this album a spin. Just don’t blame me if you end up googling “how to do the polka” at 2 AM.
