Teksti-TV 666 - Vapauden Tasavalta [Svart Records - 2023]There are labels, genres, whatever you want to call them, but some are just plain misleading. In the case of Teksti-TV 666's sophomore release, Vapauden Tasavalta, Krautrock is a reach, at best. Overall, the album packs a ferocious, melodic punch, from the opener, "Kapteeni" (sung in Finnish, as with all of the other tracks). There is an anthemic quality that feels closer to a Wipers' brand of postpunk than anything from the Vaterland. The production is noisier and wilder, too, which combines the best of both worlds – 1979/80 energy and modern recording techniques.
The beginning guitar screeches of "TJ" reminded me of the opening to another gem from 1979: Chrome's Half Machine Lip Moves, though things went a bit groovier from there. Each of the six tracks included is reaching for something, with a restless energy and a focus that might smack of something experimental, but feels extremely taught and organized. I listened repeatedly and found myself smiling as I did, despite my best efforts to sit still. Vapauden tasavalta grabs you by the seat of your pants, and exhorts you to join in the parade, wherever it is headed.
I highly recommend this album for fans of any of the aforementioned bands, or for anyone curious about the kind of anthems being written on the cusp of our northern axis.   Colin Lang
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