Review By Darren McIntyre
Von Hertzen Brothers are a rock band from Finland who formed in 2000 by Mikko, Kie & Jonne, the boys mix classical / progressive / folk / punk & contemporary elements. The brothers are no strangers to the music business with each having notable history in the Finnish music scene, Kie was part of Don Huonot, Mikko in Egotrippi & Lemonator, Jonne won the National Rock Contest with Cosmos Tango and had success with Jonna Teruomad’s band. The boys have given us Experience in 2001, Approach in 2006, Love Remains The Same in 2008, Stars Aligned in 2011, Nine Lives in 2013, New Day Rising in 2015, War Is Over in 2017, Red Alert In The Blue Forest in 2021. The boys have been busy writing, recording, touring and finally bring us their blistering new album The Managerie – In Murmuration which I will be reviewing for you today, the boys will also be heading to Winterstorm this year so go check them out.
The Relapse – A cool dark riffed guitar oozes from the intro as a thumping bass drum brings the heat before the start explodes with a full on bassline groove that gets the juices flowing for sure. The musicality is just awesome as the melodic vocals ease through the track as the boys come for us in a big way as they deliver a foot stomping lyrical arrangement that just lets us know that the boys are back. The groove is rich and full and really captures the band in all their glory as they each bring a crisp, melodic feel to the track as a cool saxaphone groove leans in and lets the track hit us straight in the face, the groove is infectious with rich tones, delicious textures and a real funky beat that is a fantastic way to let us know that the boys are back and firing on all cylinders.
A Good Life – Synth tones flow from the outset as this punchy dark track opens with a real deep punchy bass kick as the arrangement brings mystery, attitude and epic tones that just excite. The smooth wholesome vocals are just fantastic as we feel the depth of these boys as this electro infused rocker track just gives us what we have craved for a long time, the tempo changes pace a little as the snare drum taps control the groove of this toe tapping piece as the boys just open our minds to their thought train as this haunting composition ticks all the boxes as the boys bring us a short, sharp burst of electro style keys that are wrapped in deep pulsing basslines that just deliver a real corker of a track that is brimming with melodies and tone.
Starlings – A slick guitar riff erupts from the off as cool synth keys bring us a fast paced rock n roll groover that has a colossal bassline that is hitting us with dar, funky beats that are just awesome. The rhythm section is bringing us a solid snare drum punch that comes armed with cymbal snaps that let the groove flow and let us feel the beat that is flowing freely through this electro laden piece. The vocals are flawless as they deliver a real mellow soulful tone that mixes well with the awesome musicality that is punching it’s way through this fantastic thought provoking number, the lyrics are strong, sharp and deliver a real nice tone that gives this track depth with plenty of swagger and tone.
Ascention Day – A cool sweet guitar riff wanders effortlessly through the intro as mellow synth keys bring the track to our attention as the rhythm section commands the track from the get go. The combination of snare drum punches and cymbal snaps gets our toes tapping as we feel the groove build and let the boys really express themselves as this funky groover really comes to life, the soulful melodic vocals are just incredible as we feel the emotion oozing from the guys as they deliver a real cool groove that just lifts the track to another place as we feel the depth oozing from this fantastic piece of music. The keys are bringing real maturity to the track as we lose ourselves in the lyrics that are wrapping themselves around us as the boys dig deep and really let their imagination break free in this sweet, cool number.
Beneath The Silver Stars – Cool strings are oozing from the intro as sweet synth tones linger to let the groove come at us as the mesmerising vocals let themselves bring the track to us. The cool rhythm section is building in the background as a cool snare drum beat wanders freely as the cymbal snaps linger and let the tone build, a funky, dark grooving bassline hits us with real awesome tones that just give this track depth and swagger. The boys combine so well as they are masters of their craft as they bounce off each other to really deliver a thought provoking track that is full of wonderful tones and mesmerising grooves that you just float away to another place as this killer track just erupts and allows the boys the freedom to express their musicality that is coming in truckloads.
Tightrope Walker – A change in direction with this sludgy riffed arrangement as we get a real crunching beat that welcomes a full on rhythm section that is hitting us with a pounding snare drum / bass kick beat that just kicks in the doors as the boys give it to us straight. The cool soulful vocals are flowing effortlessly through this rasping melodic number as we really get into the groove as the boys up the tempo and really give us it with both barrels, the synth tones are littered throughout the track as the melodic tone just wraps itself around us as we really get into the funky groove. The deep pulsing bassline is handing us a real deep full on groove that works so well in this anthemic number as the boys really hit us with a crunching, melodic number that ticks all the boxes as we immerse ourselves in this foot tapping rock n roll groover that is just building and building as we get deeper into this phenomenal slab of music.
The Change – Cool guitar picks flow from the outset as we get a nice dark groove that welcomes the stunning vocals that really give this track depth that really grabs our attention. The rhythm section is hitting us with cymbal snaps that let the snare drum punches lead the charge in this melodic symphonic beast that just grabs our attention as the musicality breaks free and really shows us that the boys are coming out swinging with a real cool composition. The cool bassline is dropping sweet, mellow grooves that are just on the money as we allow ourselves to be transported to another place as the crisp clean keys deliver a mellow tone that just lifts this track to another level as we feel the intensity pouring from the record as the tempo slows towards the end.
Seperation – Dark, sweeping piano tones are oozing through the intro as we feel the intensity coming for us as the mesmirising vocals lead the way through this dark, emotion filled track. There is something magical surrounding this composition as we are just drawn to the lyrics that are accompanied by epic piano tones, a short, sharp arrangement that just catches your attention and then some.
Snowstorm – A punchy cymbal tapped intro breaks free from the off as a slick crunching guitar riff wanders freely through the track that really grabs our attention. The haunting backing vocals bring intensity that is wrapped in epic basslines that really give this track depth and attitude as the vocals open and give us a tingling feeling as we feel the intensity, the crunching guitar licks are awesome as they allow the track to express itself as we wander along with the boys as they really capture the essence of this mesmerising piece of music. The album is a real treat as we get bags of emotion, tons of haunting lyrics and cool musicianship that is second to none.
Wait For Me – Cool synth tones flow from the off as piano tones make themselves know as this last track brings epic strings that really set the tone as we move forwards to feel the intensity. Acoustic strumming chords are coming at us as the track opens with soaring, soulful vocals that catch our attention as we are taken along with the musicality that is being laid before us, the strings are just incredible as they add depth and intensity that is just incredible. The rhythm section comes in with a cool snare drum beat that is joined by cymbal snaps that really lift the track as we get cool dark bass grooves that really wrap themselves around this incredible thought provoking number that really takes you on the journey with the boys as they deliver something truly special in this fantastic album, a sweet clean guitar solo towards the end really encapsulates the essence of these incredible musicians.
Von Hertzen Brothers –
Mikko Von Hertzen – Vocals / Guitar
Kie Von Hertzen – Guitar / Backing Vocals
Jonne Von Hertzen – Bass / Backing Vocals
Robert Engstrand – Keys
Sami Kuoppomaki – Drums
Track Listing –
The Relapse
A Good Life
Starlings
Ascention Day
Beneath The Silver Stars
Tightrope Walker
The Change
Seperation
Snowstorm
Wait For Me
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