Erja Lyytinen – Smell The Roses – Album Review

Review By Darren McIntyre

Erya Lyytinen (pronounced Air-Ya- Lute-In-En)is a lwading blues-rock guitarist on the International touring circuit, during a recording career spanning over 20 years, the High- Flying Finn has released 13 studio albums as well as several live albums. Erja’s last album with the last being Diamonds On The Road. The good news is Erja brings us her brand new studio album Smell the roases which has given us singles Smell The Roses and new offering Abyss which is her grittiest, heavy track to date, to celebrate the release of the new record Erja is going on the road and kicks off the tour in Oxford and running through to Leicester before hitting Europe. Please join me as I run us through this incredible new release.

Smell The Roses – A punchy b ass kick lets this cool track breathe as Erja lets her smouldering vocals cut loose on this rocking blues beast that just awakens the senses for sure. A pulsing bassline brings the low end into focus as this toe tapping groover catches our attention, the groove is just pushing us to the limit as this rocking monster gets the juices flowing for sure. The gritty guitar licks are smooth, punchy and let us hear Erja at her scintilating best for sure, the vocals are strong and just solidify her as a leading light in the blues rock scene as she just elevates her sound with every new offeing she presents. Tne boys are just gelling as the groove just hits us wih a real solid snare drum beat that controls the groove from the back of the room.

Going To Hell – A slick cool guitar lick wanders through the intro as a punchy rhythm section grabs our attention as this sludgy blues affair comes to life as we let the groove wash over us. The tempo is a fast, furious tone as we stop start as Erja takes us on a journey that tingles our senses as we get a cool bassline that just wraps itself around us as the beat kick in the doors and really socks it to us. The sweet guitar sounds are flowing effortlessly through the track as Erja lets go and really sizzles as she takes us on a full on guitar slaying session as she just gives us all she has, the vocals are just making the track sing as we just revel in the beauty that is oozing from her and the guys as she just rips up the playbook with this awesome tune.

Abyss – Boom and off we go with a real griity guitar and snare drum eruption as a smattering of keys flows freely through the intro as Erja lets her smouldering vocals take us to another place as we feel the energy. The rhythm section hits us with a real punchy bass kick as the cymbal snaps let the track run free as a sizzling guitar riff brings the track to our attention as the bassline drops in and controls the groove, the Hammond style keys are reallylifting the track as it gives it a real blues effect that just grabs your attention as the gritty guitar licks are letting the track go in it’s own direction as the whole arrangement just pops as we feel a different side to this incredible artist as she just glides through this awesome piece and loses us in her phenomenal playing that is off the scale. The boys are so in tune for sure as they drift along and keep perfect timing as Erja just brings the smouldering blues to us right now.

Dragonfly – A punchy bass kick with a snare drum intro let this smooth bluesy track come at us as Erja’s oozing vocals bring this cool track to our attention as the tempo builds with a slick snare drum kick. The bassline comes in and drops cool, dark grooves that just wrap themselves all over this incredible track, the musicianshipn is awesome as she has picked up where she left off with a cool groove that just loses us as the gritty guitar licks kick in and you know that you are in for a treat as Erja just delivers on every level with sheer class and devotion to her craft. The rhythm section is controlling the tone of the track as we get snare drum beats and cool bass kicks that let the cymbal snaps let the track come for us, the whole arrangement is just letting us feel the groove oozing from every musician as they bring it and then some.

Wings To Fly – A real heavier groove opens the track as a bass kick lets the rhythm section allow the track to open up as Erja brings her soulful vocals that just kick in the doors and let us feel the smooth tone. The keys are littered throughout the track and really give it a blues- rock feel. The punchy groove is just getting those feet moving and the fists pumping as she really shows her smouldering side with this fantastic song that just ticks all the boxes with it’s rocking groove and gritty guitar licks that just kick ass, the tempo changes direction as we get a musical intro in the mid section that lets Erja showcase her incredible talents as she just flows through the track and lets the rhythm section deliver a real crunching snare drum / bass kick combo that just takes the track in another direction.

The Ring – Keys along with a real heavy rhythm section let this track break free as a slick slide guitar lick opens up and just lets the track come to life as the boys give it to us with all guns blazing. The heavy ended bassline is jittingnus with a real funky groove that lets Erja drop in her smouldering bluesy vocals that just light up this track, the foot tapping rocker track has a real cool beat that lets your juices run wild as this cool number throws us a curveball with it’s slick musicality and the funky riffs that are flowing effortlessly through this slidr guitar littered track that just comes to life as the boys drop in and really give it some oomph. The album is just on the money for sure and the audiences will surely lap up the sheer talents of this flying Finn as she will surely be on fire come the tour.

Ball & Chain – A cool guitar salvo rings out as the pounding rhythm section comes in and delivers a punchy bass / snare drum groove that gives this track some depth. The soulful vocals are just giving this track a real road to open up to as we get the sense that Erja is just firing on all cylinders as this is a real welcome shot in the arm for sure. The slick gritty guitar licks are easing us through this foot stonping track as the dark, moody bassline drops in and gives us cool grooves that mix well with this real doozy of a track, Erja drops in with a real slick solo that just builds and builds as we feel the tempo pulsing as the boys just gel and really give the track a real swagger that just works.

Stanley Creek – A nice dark moody guitar lick wanders freely through the track as punchy snare drum beats let the track breathe as we feel the energy oozing from the get go. Erja’s melodic vocals soar through the arrangement and really pack a punch as she showcases her vulnerability in the track as it just delivers on every level, the bassline drops in and really gives the track depth with is delicious tones that wrap themselves around this real sweet, mellow track that is giving us a real taste that Erja has really thought about every track on this soaring record. A nice slick solo comes through and really hits you with all it has as we tap our feet to the infectious groove that is pouring from the guys as we really get into this record in a big way, it really gives us a sense that Erja is back and tells us we are in for a big surprise when she hits the road.

Empty Hours – Cool lingering guitar licks are hitting us from the off as Erja brings the heat to the final track as the tempo changes pace and really captures our attention. Erja lets her smouldering vocals take the reins and really bring us a real heart tugging vocal that is just taking the track to another level, dark, moody bassline drops in and sets the tone for this delicious track that just delivers a well thought out number that wets our appetites for what she has instore come tour time. This is a real cool track that lets Erja display her full talents with colossal soulful vocals that are ably backed up with some incredible guitar playing that is just on the money, the rhythm section is providing a real cool tone that is perfect for this dark, thought provoking number that tells a story that just catches our attention on so many levels that is just incredible, if you get the chance to catch her on tour please do n ot miss her.

Erja Lyytinen –

Erja Lyytinen – Vocals / Guitar

Heikki Saarenkunnas – Bass

Harri Taittonen – Keys

Jesse Lehto – Drums

Track Listing –

Smell The Roses

Going To Hell

Abyss

Dragonfly

Wings To Fly

The Ring