Scandinavia has always been a supplier of great bands and the latest in the row is Firenote from Finland. The band was founded by Ricky (v) and JR. Hammond (k) in 2004 and from day one it was their intention to cheer up the world with what they call ‘hi-octane stadium rock’ as we all remember it from the 80s: sounding larger than life! Three demos and several domestic gigs paved the way and in the summer of 2008 the merry fivesome was signed by IVK Music. Recordings for the debut album started at the end of 2008 and the result is availble since May 27.
It took a while before I caught sight of the band, but as soon as it happened, I requested a promo copy of their debut album … which has hardly left my CD player ever since I found that review copy in my mailbox. The reason is simple: these guys bring the listener a very catchy brand of melodic hard rock, full of hooks and singalong choruses. Although Ricky has a high-pitched voice, it doesn’t disturb me a single bit. He’s made for the job and so is the rest of the band. Count to that the killer production from Erkka Korhonen and the attractive cover artwork by Toxic Angel and the conclusion can only be that this Firenote is an absolute must for the fans of acts like Brother Firetribe, H.E.A.T and Wig Wam. Listening tips: opener “Firenote” (the band’s anthem?), the ballad “My Love Will Never Die” (in which Ricky shows how good he can actually sing) and the cheerful pair of “Don’t Ever Fall In Love” and “Love Me Or Let Me Live”. Don’t miss on a great debut album! (CL)
 

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666films (on 18/09/09) A decent album that starts off with a real bang. Loved most of the album, but i wish they hadn't included the ridiculous song"she stole my speedos". They are obviously trying to say they have a sense of humour but wig wam do it much better   guitarman (on 16/09/09) Very good debut album!!!!!!   Gloobey (on 16/09/09) Didn't you people learn anything from the Brother Firetribe farce? Like that, this is melodic hard rock by numbers, not an original or exciting thought or idea on display. Faceless and then some...   banaan (on 12/09/09) Not my cup of tea. I never understood all the fuzz about Brother Firetribe, and get the same feeling with this one.   YNGWIEVIKING (on 30/08/09) Not bad at all !!! After the first listen , you may be not really impressed but quickly the qualities of this band should appears ! The voice remind me a lot of T.KOTIPELTO from STRATOVARIUS/CAIN's OFFERING and sometimes a litle bit of T.MILLS ! No ,there is not a single (fire)note of originality but it's trully well crafted !* I'am agree with WOLF here ,HEAT are much better I think the right comparison is a mix between BROTHER FIRE TRIBE & STURM UND DRAG but this album, it's despite those fact very enjoyable !!! 80's SCANDI METAL/AOR ****3/4   astonbob (on 28/08/09) Listen to it once then i got bored, maybe put all songs together and you got a killer track.   WOLF 359 (on 28/08/09) A good start but nowhere near as good as H.E.A.T, Borther Firetribe etc, and I have my reservations about the bands singer Ricky, his voice for me anyway is just not that strong, which when singing this kinda stuff just isn't a good thing. I hope that they put everything to rites on the second album because despite my reservations, this lot could go a long, long way.   Jez (on 28/08/09) Firenote will obviously get compared to fellow Fins, Brother Firetribe, Free Spirit & Swedens excellent H.E.A.T & that would be not too far off the mark, although I do hear a lot of Shy mixed in their sound, especilly some of the very Tony Mills like vocals & maybe a slightly more retro hard rock sound in places, compared to the more AOR/MR style of BFT and H.E.A.T. For a debut album (although they have been around since about 2004),this hits the mark on more than a few ocassions & I would say that the best tracks on here are well up with anything those aforementioned bands have previously done, the opening title track, 'Sara La Fountain', 'Suddenly' & 'Heartbreaker' being good examples. Quality does dip on a few occasions & that is why I would say they aren't quite there with their peers just yet, but the potential certainly is. Production by Urban Tales Erkka Korhonen is also worthy of note, as it sounds a million dollars. All in all a very good debut & I look forward to album no.2

 

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