TUPLE: Wooden Box: Review/Opinion

If the name of Tommi Salmela," a.k.a. Tuple, "doesn't mean anything to you, there's nothing to be ashamed. Indeed, the man is best known as the singer of Lazy Bonez and for his participation in Raskata Joulua, a Finnish group that performs traditional Christmas carols in a metal way. Although these two groups cannot be considered as unavoidable, Tuple has nevertheless built up a good reputation by lending a helping hand to big names such as Tarot (where he provides backing vocals and samples), or Amorphis. So it's not surprising to note that for his first solo album, the singer can count on a host of prestigious guests.

Now in his fifties, Tuple offers here an opus revolving around the concept of his own existence which he narrates through eleven tracks whose lyrics are as authentic and personal as the melodies are catchy and bewitching. For if the mystery on the quality of this album is quickly deflowered, it's because the surprise is as unexpected as it is exciting. In a very AOR and 80's general tone, Tuple doesn't hesitate to cross the frontier of melodic hard rock music for a 'Demon Alcohol' with a riff reminiscent of Treat, or a typically Scandinavian 'In These Altitudes' on which Zachary Hietala (Tarot) lays a superb solo in the middle of passages flirting with symphonic metal. As for 'Rocking Chair', it's a demonstration of the singer's mastery in the high notes.

Among the other tracks that favour the finely chiselled but still energetic AOR melodies, one should not miss the mid-tempo 'Together' with its Journey-like scent and aerial solo, and its little brother 'Fucking Beautiful' with its beautiful guitar harmonies and unstoppable chorus. With 'Kryptonite', the Finn has a real melodic bomb, carried by a massive bass and a unifying chorus. 'Too Far Gone' is fast and tight, reminiscent of Journey with a new catchy chorus and majestic keyboards before 'Miracle' takes us back to the 80's where it would have been worthy of a Rocky's soundtrack. Finally, 'Get With The Program' deals with the excesses of the star-system with humour, derision and energy, using sharp guitars. While the eponymous title had launched the hostilities with an unstoppable riff and a perfect balance between modernity and homage to the 80's, 'Pretty Much Perfect' closes them on almost seven minutes evolving from a ballad to a majestic and symphonic finale, progressing in a cinematic atmosphere.

With this autobiographical, honest and captivating work, Tuple unleashes an uncontrollable enthusiasm, a perfect tribute to the roots of a style that he nevertheless manages to anchor in his time. Tommi Salmela finds here the balance between melody and energy, and between melancholy and good humour. Surrounded by a real dream team, the Finn finally reveals his talent in full light and the continuation of his adventures is now eagerly awaited.