Iiro Rantala New Trio

(pretend there's a picture here. Blogger was being lame)

Daaaaaaaaaamn. That's all I could say when I first watched these guys on youtube, in their video Shit Catapult. The first minute overwhelms you as each member introduces themselves with blazing solos which punctuate the frantic rhythm of the Finnish trio's conceived...demon child! When the mayhem finally alludes to a melodic break in the insanity, its so pleasing and beautiful that it captivates and eschews any doubts you may have had in your first 60 seconds of experiencing the technically (and creatively) insane three piece. 

What I think separates them from other bands that can jam the shit out of their instruments is the humor in the music. The expressions that canvas on guitarist Marzi Nyman's face show he's there to have a good time, leading us to do the same. He gets some beautiful sounds from his guitar, as well as some I didn't think were even possible. His outrageous guitar stances and gyrations make him an energetic and interesting performer to watch. I believe Iiro Rantala is the heavy weight out of the three, being a renowned Finnish pianist and his chops definitely show. While his obvious technical prowess is necessary to keep up, the pianist adds his own bluesy, romping touch amid a carousel of styles that he keeps coming throughout the song. 

Felix Zenger, the beatbox is amazing as well. My stomach dropped a little when I realized they had enlisted a human percussionist instead of a cool, swanky jazz drummer, but my fears were assuaged once he opened his mouth. He never once appeared gimmicky, and probably could 'outplay' many successful drummers out there today. Felix Zenger is not to be confused with a ragged white Eminem clone who beatboxes simple hiphop beats while humming Eye of the Tiger over the top of his sonic malady. They dropped an album entitled Elmo this year, go check em out!

Piano - Iiro Rantala

Guitar - Marzi Nyman

Beatbox - Felix Zenger