Rami Vierula’s new album Erämaahan was released way back in September of 2023, and I’ve been meaning to write about it ever since! Let’s take a moment to appreciate this gorgeous release on this beautiful and sunny Sunday.
If you’re not familiar with Vierula’s music, then I suggest you check out his back catalogue. From his time fronting shoegaze/dream pop band Delay Trees to a prolific solo artist, Vierula has kept on evolving as a songwriter. On Erämaahan, his second album in Finnish, he’s managed to perfect his sound; a somber blend of Nordic Americana and laid-back dream pop.
The new album is a further step away from the lo-fi sound found on his last album, Ikuinen Yö, released back in 2018. Erämaahan has a more ambitious and straightforward feel, with rich band arrangements centering around acoustic as well as brass instruments, such as trumpet and flugelhorn.
The album was recorded in Helsinki with Julius Mauranen and a long list of musicians. Backing artists include Henri Lindström (Alex Cameron, Jaakko Eino Kalevi, Suad), Kaarlo Stauffer (Verandan, Black Twig, Jukka Herva), Aapo Nieminen (Maa ilmasta, Rebekka Holi) ja Antti Hevosmaa (Virta).
The vocals on the album are excellent, with gorgeous backing vocals and harmonies by Vierula’s wife, Eeva Nieminen – a collaboration I really hope we will be hearing more of in the future. Nieminen’s beautiful voice perfectly complements Vierula’s storytelling style of singing, especially on the first single “Koti” and adds to the ethereal feeling of the album.
Watch the video for title track “Erämaahan” below.
In Between Songs 