Liima’s provocative style of trance synth is definitely something that has turned a fair few heads since their formation and will inevitably continue to do so for as long as this Finnish four-piece keep making their beautiful sound. The group’s new endeavour is 1982, an album which is able to tear through space and time to plop you right in the middle of some stunning atmospherics and nostalgic reminiscence. Grab your coat, because we’re going way back with this one.

Straight from the opening notes, the almost sci-fi-like synth slaps you in the face and the album’s self-titled opening track acts as the perfect introduction to the record, immediately creating some brilliantly vivid imagery. As we’re introduced to Casper Clausen’s divine vocal tones, the track really comes to life through its many twists, turns and fluctuating synth. I wasn't overly sure what to expect from this album but ‘1982’ says it all really. This is a record for the nostalgic, the bizarre and the eclectic.

Since Liima’s previous release, ii, they have certainly found their feet and been able to craft a sound which flows far more smoothly, delving into far more depth with the production side of their music. Whether it be the more chilled, solemn ambience of ‘Life Is Dangerous’ or the upbeat creativity behind ‘2-Hearted’, it is clear that the entire band, especially percussionist Tatu Rönkkö, have tried to create something truly unique with this album.

For myself, ‘People Like You’ is the record’s highest peak, a track which flows brilliantly both as a single and as part of the album’s collective, the trip-inducing synth is sublime and by far the largest on the record. There is nothing more refreshing than hearing a specific sound which you’ve never experienced before and, for me, this track hits the nail on the head through the alien sounding electronica. As the track’s initial confusing and jarring instrumentals grow, the underlying flutter of Capser’s phased vocals really make it possible to lose yourself to the sound, once again captivating that classic 1982 feel. When the song reaches its pinnacle, it transforms the atmosphere to a sudden burst of powerful colour and uncertainty, this unpredictability makes for a great break from the rest of the tracks, keeping the pacing flowing nicely and leaving a real lasting impact on the album’s sound. This is not a track to just brush over.

Another subtle yet key aspect to this record’s brilliance is its bass work. The traditional wooden style of smooth bass is divine and turns almost every track on this record from what could have been a standard piece of new wave electronics into something genuinely special. Whether it be in the almost jazzy styles of ‘Kirby’s Dream Land’ or ‘Jonathan, I Can’t Tell You’, the instrument drives both. It’s so easy for artists to shy away from experimenting with their bass work, however, Liima have definitely given the bass a chance to shine and it certainly works to their advantage.

Liima have brought forth a record which captures its title sophisticatedly, concisely and contains enough retro nostalgia to relish in, whilst simultaneously presenting an entirely new sound which feels incredibly 2017. 1982 has something for everyone to enjoy, Liima’s sound has an innate lovability to it that once heard, you won’t want to stop.

Ben Walker

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