Album Review: Jo Below - No Control
Reviewed by Paul Hutchings
Finland isn’t short on hard rock and metal bands. According to GIS Lounge it has 53.2 bands per 100,000 population. Well, here’s another outfit to add to the list, albeit one that leans towards the softer side of the rock spectrum. Jo Below’s style combines elements of traditional hard rock with more modern influences. The band call it modern classic rock, possibly an oxymoron if you ask me but we’ll let that pass.
Formed in 2017, the band consists of frontwoman Johanna Kari, guitarist Roni Seppänen, bassist Jonne Lindqvist and drummer Olli Vartiainen. ‘No Control’ follows 2020’s ‘By The Rules’ E.P. and whilst it isn’t my usual listening pleasure, it’s definitely got something that makes you sit up and listen.
Unafraid to mix up the styles, the band finish the E.P. with the title track, an emotional acoustic piece which allows Kari opportunity to show her vocal qualities. Before that, four fully electric songs that open with the dark ‘Ms Death’, a catchy riff and pumping bass line hooking you early. There’s a lighter, pop feel to ‘Where Are you Now?’ and ‘Another Dimension’, the latter capturing another layer of sound. And then there’s the pulsing gothic edge to ‘I Confess’, which is probably my favourite song on this E.P. A vibrant track, there are hints of Paradise Lost in their industrial moments, accompanied by a driving riff and Kari utilising her strong range.
It’s an impressive E.P., and although it may not appeal to the gnarly death metal fan, with a bit of promotion and airplay, Jo Below may well be a name you’ll be hearing a bit more of soon.
