Verandan to release Self-titled debut EP in early October

We’re excited and happy to announce the much anticipated release of Verandan’s s/t debut EP on 9th of October! If you still haven’t heard about the recent addition to our label family – Verandan, please take a listen to the two first singles from the upcoming Verandan EP: ‘Gold In The Hills‘ and ‘Short Dream‘. The tracks have been received with praise, some say the latter being a musical equivalent of walking into a fancy-dress party where confetti and sparkling champagne are in abundance. We’re now excited and happy to announce the release of Verandan’s debut EP (Oct 9th 2017).

Verandan is a new project by Ville Hopponen, who has previously played in different bands throughout the years; Cats On Fire, The New Tigers, Pöllöt and Le Futur Pompiste. Aiding and abetting Ville on his new adventure are a magnificent supporting cast; Aleksi Peltonen (Puunhalaaja, Henna Emilia & Houreet), Aki Pohjankyrö (Black Twig, LOVE SPORT), Kaarlo Stauffer (Black Twig) and Sampo Seppänen (Sofa Pets, Kynnet). Verandan were formed in late 2015 around songs written by Hopponen.

Ville Hopponen expands on the origins of Verandan:

“At the time I had an office job that really made me want to focus on something else the rest of the time. Since I have played music since 1876 but never really written any songs myself it was a slow and meticulous process. The only aim was writing and recording some songs that I could hopefully tolerate even in the future. And also to do this with the best musicians I could find and whose judgement I fully trusted. They really pulled everything together and made it work, contributing all sorts of good ideas.

There was no particular musical style in mind. The point was to explore different ideas and themes – musical and otherwise – that for some reason kept appealing to me, while at the same time chasing a particular kind of elusive ”mood”. Sometimes what came out was surprisingly ”traditional”, which is fine too since it was never about being inventive just for the sake of it. It was more about conveying exactly the right feeling, whatever that is.”

Cover art by Emilia Pennanen

Verandan: Verandan EP (Soliti 064) – Release date 9th of October 2017

1. Short Dream
2. Gold In The Hills
3. Inland Sea
4. Follow the Money
5. A Pleasant View
6. Sands Are Shifting

**Press reaction to singles ‘Gold In Hills’:**

“…this is also expansive sophisticated songwriting with some lovely subtle touches from the musicians, and even the big guitar solo which concludes the track seems to work pretty well too.” Nordic Music Review

“ I’d pick up this song for the delightful chorus with its rising tones and natural hook.” Austin Town Hall

“It comes in the form of the sparkling ‘Gold In The Hills’, a deliberative groove filled pop wonder adorned with perfectly subtle and appropriately arranged atmospherics. And the production, done by Hopponen himself, is killer. Despite extending to four minutes things are over all too soon. You may be spewing upon its abrupt ending but at least there’s always the repeat button.” Indie 30

“Sounds classic” Cloudberry Records

“…sillä Gold in the Hills on silkkaa indieparhautta kylmiin kesäöihin.” Rumba

“Tyylillisesti Verandan on perinnetietoista indiepoprockia, jonka pääosassa ovat melodiat ja kasarimainen bändisoundi. Jos soittajien muihin yhtyeisiin vertaa, Cats on Firen ja The New Tigersin tunnelmointi on lähempänä Verandan musiikkia kuin vaikkapa Black Twigin kitarasurina tai Kynsien garagepaukutus.” Stopshakehoneygo

“With the bubbling buoyancy of Belle and Sebastian and the classic ’80s synth sounds of Joe Jackson, “Gold in the Hills” is a delicious slice of art-pop. Modern yet retro, the song recalls a time when music was cinematic, dramatic, and inspiring.” The Revue

**Press reaction to ‘Short Dream’:**

“It reminds me of the best of the pop world, combining chamber elements with delicate touches of atmospherics…all the while keeping a nice bit of energy in the track. Just imagine the playful bounce of Belle and Sebastian mingling with the more introspective world of the Clientele. The group even throws in some joyous “ooh oohs” near the end.” Austin Town Hall

“The band is back this week with the shimmering melody and propulsive rhythms of “Short Dream”. It is the musical equivalent of walking into a room and having sparkling confetti tossed on you while you are handed a glass of champagne.” When You Motor Away Blog

“Short Dream’ is an endearing tune that’ll take you straight to a state of summery bliss. With some mellow synths, melancholic vocals and birds singing in the background, the song mixes delightful idyll with a pinch of intriguing mystery” Ja Ja Ja Music

“As the summer is slowly coming to an end, I urge you to dive into this dreamy tune, which – like all things happy – doesn’t seem to last long enough!” From Pop 2 Top

“Definitely shows that Ville also has the ability to write rather marvellous songs. Not that I had any doubts.” One Chord To Another

“The first of six tracks on the new EP – ‘Short Dream’ gives a fine flavour of what to expect from the rest. There are no passengers within this collection of material, each song is as good as the featured track & from a personal perspective sometimes better.” Beehive Candy

“‘Short Dream’ is a sparkling indie pop track, with jangling guitars, an infectiously likeable melody and some great instrumental sections – to an extent this track reminds me of fellow Soliti label mates ‘Delay Trees’, albeit with slightly bigger guitar solos.” Nordic Music Review

“…vars andra singel Short Dream lovar gott inför framtida releaser. Det är 80-talsindie utan att låta daterat, en behaglig dagdröm.” Pomani