Discovery of the Week: Lauma
The sincerity of the Finnish folk scene: deep poetry, warm acoustic sound, and melancholic stories that speak to everyone
The band Lauma (often stylized as LAUMA) was formed in 2017 by musicians from two Finnish towns—Kerava and Tuusula. The band's name translates to “The Pack.”
The members of Lauma locked in their musical direction while reminiscing about the favorite bands of their youth. Since they had all grown up listening to the same artists, they decided to follow in their idols' footsteps.
This led to their first songs, which served as a tribute to Finnish rock bands of the nineties, packed with stunning, memorable vocals, biting lyrics, and catchy melodies. The musicians describe their style as provincial indie music with a punk attitude and a hope that
The members of Lauma locked in their musical direction while reminiscing about the favorite bands of their youth. Since they had all grown up listening to the same artists, they decided to follow in their idols' footsteps.
This led to their first songs, which served as a tribute to Finnish rock bands of the nineties, packed with stunning, memorable vocals, biting lyrics, and catchy melodies. The musicians describe their style as provincial indie music with a punk attitude and a hope that
Even though frontman and songwriter Antti Huurinainen previously led the band Snipe Drive, whose songs were performed in English, this time the decision was made to return to their roots and write in Finnish.
In an interview with Kaaoszine, Antti Huurinainen admitted that he was a bit scared to write lyrics in Finnish. He explained that English is very forgiving, even when using crude expressions, and that the average Finn listens to songs and thinks about how great it all sounds without necessarily diving into the content. The vocalist added that writing lyrics in Finnish, in his opinion, forces—and should force—musicians to use the language more creatively and give the lyrics deeper meaning.
Lauma's very first releases caught the public's attention: their debut single “Kun se aika koittaa” (“When the Time Comes”), followed by “Kallot kolisee” (“Skulls Clashing”) and “Ota mut kyytiин jos sä lähdet” (“Take Me With You If You Leave”), landed on major Finnish Spotify playlists and national charts, while the band itself was featured by YleX in a segment dedicated to breakthrough newcomers.
In the autumn of 2018, Lauma presented their debut full-length album, Keskeltä ohi (“Passing Through the Middle”), marking the beginning of something much larger in the young musicians' career.
Describing the lyrical substance of the album, Antti Huurinainen questioned why one should write about the blackness of morning coffee or the soul when it is possible to write about real things while baring one's heart at the same time. He emphasized that he is more moved by straightforward lyrics that might provoke the listener to reflect.
In 2019, Lauma released the EP Marionetti (“Marionette”), consisting of five new tracks and a remix of the single “Ota mut kyytiин jos sä lähdet” done in collaboration with the musician Fone. A little over a year later, they introduced their sophomore album, titled Yhtenä kappaleena (“In One Piece”). Unfortunately, its release coincided with the 2020 pandemic, so the supporting tour never took place.
To date, this remains their final full-length release. Since 2020, Lauma has not given any interviews or discussed future plans, though they have made no official announcement regarding a breakup.
In an interview with Kaaoszine, Antti Huurinainen admitted that he was a bit scared to write lyrics in Finnish. He explained that English is very forgiving, even when using crude expressions, and that the average Finn listens to songs and thinks about how great it all sounds without necessarily diving into the content. The vocalist added that writing lyrics in Finnish, in his opinion, forces—and should force—musicians to use the language more creatively and give the lyrics deeper meaning.
Lauma's very first releases caught the public's attention: their debut single “Kun se aika koittaa” (“When the Time Comes”), followed by “Kallot kolisee” (“Skulls Clashing”) and “Ota mut kyytiин jos sä lähdet” (“Take Me With You If You Leave”), landed on major Finnish Spotify playlists and national charts, while the band itself was featured by YleX in a segment dedicated to breakthrough newcomers.
In the autumn of 2018, Lauma presented their debut full-length album, Keskeltä ohi (“Passing Through the Middle”), marking the beginning of something much larger in the young musicians' career.
Describing the lyrical substance of the album, Antti Huurinainen questioned why one should write about the blackness of morning coffee or the soul when it is possible to write about real things while baring one's heart at the same time. He emphasized that he is more moved by straightforward lyrics that might provoke the listener to reflect.
In 2019, Lauma released the EP Marionetti (“Marionette”), consisting of five new tracks and a remix of the single “Ota mut kyytiин jos sä lähdet” done in collaboration with the musician Fone. A little over a year later, they introduced their sophomore album, titled Yhtenä kappaleena (“In One Piece”). Unfortunately, its release coincided with the 2020 pandemic, so the supporting tour never took place.
To date, this remains their final full-length release. Since 2020, Lauma has not given any interviews or discussed future plans, though they have made no official announcement regarding a breakup.
- Tuuli TalvinenFounder & Editor-in-ChiefInterviewer