Kids, how time flies...
In 2013, the last proper, full-length album by the Finnish band WASTED was released, and after a mini-album in 2016, there was a considerable silence for six years.
Now WASTED is back with a new album.
WASTED is the punk band where Ville Rönkkö sings and plays guitar. Ville also had the band I WALK THE LINE, which dedicated itself to a very unique style. Mixing New Wave with punk and a dark sound was the trademark of the band, which unfortunately no longer exists.
In 2018, BEGINNINGS from Berlin released their first album. Ville was also part of this band and lent his voice to the music. The review of the album can be read here: https://www.ramtatta.de/s/reviews/f/details/id/8539/
WASTED, in their 26th year of existence, offer a consistently successful album with “Modern Lie“. The album combines the music that WASTED has always made more or less. It was and is melodic punk rock, sometimes with a hardcore touch, sometimes with '77 punk influences, and occasionally with poppy punk influences. On this album, in my opinion, there is a bit more punk and hardness to be felt, which is defined not only in the lyrics with clear statements but also very much in the music. Alongside this prevailing style on the album, there is also a very strong influence, namely that of I WALK THE LINE.
Catchy keyboard melodies pair with punk rock guitar, a driving drumbeat, and Ville's distinctive vocals. Speaking of the vocals, they are given plenty of space, and Mr. Rönkkö knows how to utilize that space for himself. His voice is dominant without being intrusive. It drives the songs forward and gives them character.
Thus, WASTED combines two bands on this album. As a fan of I WALK THE LINE, I greatly appreciate this, which makes this album an extraordinary one.
Fans of WASTED can purchase this album without hesitation, and those who are not yet familiar with the band should definitely give it a listen... oh, what am I saying, they should buy the album!
I’m already looking forward to seeing the band live. Live, the songs should have even more drive and character than on the CD.
Oh yes, for the old-school fans, “Modern Lies” is also available as a tape!!
