The duo join the Soliti label family and release their debut single on the 25th March 2022
Team Play, the duo of Minja Koskela and Tapio Viitasaari describe themselves as two friends and musicians, who share a love for singing, making songs and talking about human behaviour and politics. Soliti are delighted to welcome Team Play to the label family – and share their debut single, the gothic-folk tinged beauty of “Keep Me In The Dark”
“Keep Me In The Dark is a desperate love song to someone who won’t let anyone too near but keeps their distance. Or perhaps the singer is always wanting too much. The music itself captures the essence of the band’s sound so we wanted it to be the very first single. A vocal-driven piano hymn with gothic romantic lyrics. Not forgetting the pop appeal. You should read Charlotte Bronte while you listen to this. Then you’ll understand.” Team Play
Listen to “Keep Me In The Dark”
Song credits:
Music and lyrics by Minja Koskela and Tapio Viitasaari
Produced by Tapio Viitasaari and Mikko Joensuu
Vocals by Minja Koskela and Tapio Viitasaari
Keyboards and trumpet by Tapio Viitasaari
Bass guitar by Mikko Joensuu
Flute by Laura Ahopelto
Mixed by Lauri Eloranta at Lazarus Music
Mastered by Jaakko Viitalähde at Virtalähde Mastering
Recorded by Tapio Viitasaari, Mikko Joensuu and Lauri Eloranta all over Helsinki
Single cover photo by Anni Kössi
Graphic design by Antti Kekki
Jewellery by Tapio Viitasaari and Antti Kekki
Initial Reaction
Soundi gave “Keep Me In The Dark” a first listen
“At times, this song’s stark nature creates this sort of elegance, a brand of folk that feels as fragile as it is moving. Both singers wrap their vocals atop one another, building this musical texture that provides stunning depth, enabling the project to take pop music to new heights.” Austin Town Hall
“The duo’s first single, Keep Me in the Dark , is an unpretentiously beautiful piano ballad with a strong waving potential on the cell phone’s light screen (formerly a lighter).” Helsingin Sanomat
“Minja and Tapio seek to create romantic pop music with Gothic shadows. We think they do it well.” WYMA
“…it’s atmospheric, with most of the attention on the harmonies and interplay between the 2 singers, slightly sad, soulful and thoughtfully written….Another good Finnish discovery” Nordic Music Review
“The question is, is there a market for high quality mainstream pop duo songs like this, which verge on cabaret? The answer is undoubtedly yes, and there always will be.” Nordic Music Central
“Finding balance has surely taken work, but Keep Me In The Dark, which hurts in the pain of love in my own ear, is a pop ballad that touches perfection.” Decibeli
” A powerful chamber folk/indie pop amalgam with soaring melody and dual vocal harmonies” Last Day Deaf
“I had already felt the gothic[slash]romantic intention. This Mortal Coil came to mind and I immediately smiled. This is very cool!” The Sun Died Twice This Monday
“Keep Me In The Dark” single sleeve