Album Review: III by Radiofiskars Orchestra – A Jazz Journey That Sticks With You
Alright, let’s talk about III by Radiofiskars Orchestra. This Finnish jazz gem from 2019 is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. It’s not trying too hard to impress—it just does. The genre? Jazz, but not your grandpa’s smooth elevator stuff. Think Fusion and Contemporary Jazz with a Nordic twist. Released under their own label, Radiofiskars Records, this album feels personal, like they’re letting us peek into their musical diary.
Now, I gotta say, there are tracks here that’ll stick in your head for days. Two standouts? “Grooving Down The Fishers Road” and “Jos Rakastin (Si J’ai Aimé).” Let me tell ya why these hit different.
“Grooving Down The Fishers Road” is exactly what it sounds like—a vibe-heavy ride through some imaginary countryside lane. From the first note, it grabs you by the collar and says, “Come along!” There’s this bassline that just won’t quit, groovy as hell, while the horns weave in and out like sunlight breaking through clouds. It’s playful yet kinda deep, you know? Like when you’re driving somewhere random and suddenly feel alive because everything looks new. By the time the track ends, you’re left wondering where the road went so fast.
Then there’s “Jos Rakastin (Si J’ai Aimé),” which hits way closer to the heart. This one’s slower, more reflective. The melody feels fragile, almost like it might break if you listen too hard. But damn, does it pull at something inside you. Maybe it’s the way the piano dances around the edges, or how the saxophone sighs like it knows something you don’t. Whatever it is, it makes you stop scrolling Instagram and actually feel. Yeah, it’s that kind of song.
The rest of the album keeps the mood going—tracks like “A Prayer” and “Fallen” add layers of emotion without ever feeling overdone. And then there’s “Suoruumis (Bog Body),” which has this eerie, haunting vibe that sticks to your ribs long after it’s over. Honestly, every track brings its own flavor, making III an album that rewards repeat listens.
Here’s the thing: listening to this record feels like hanging out with old friends who’ve got stories to share. They’re not perfect, but they’re real. You can hear the passion dripping off each note, and it reminds you why music matters in the first place.
Oh, and here’s a weird thought—I bet if you played this album backwards, it’d sound like reindeer hooves crunching through snow. Just saying. Finland vibes, man.
So yeah, give III a spin. Whether you’re into jazz fusion or just need something fresh to soundtrack your life for a bit, this album delivers. It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be. Sometimes, the best things come quietly, like a soft knock on the door instead of a loud bang.
