Debut s/t album arrives this coming August
‘Wendy’ out 1st May 2020
In early March we introduced you to the self described ‘synth-pop duo’ RULES – comprising of Iiti Yli-Harja and Sarra Keppola. Their well received debut single ‘Kafuku’s Wife’ gave everyone an insight into their literature focussed pop music (in the first instance Haruki Murakami) – where RULES lyrics are based on characters from world literature, filling gaps, offering new perspectives and bringing forth silenced voices through each performance. For second single ‘Wendy’, RULES reframe J.M. Barrie‘s female protagonist from Peter Pan.
Song: Iiti Yli-Harja
Lyrics: Sarra Keppola
Production and mixing: Oskari Halsti
Mastering: Jarno Alho
Iiti Yli-Harja: lead vocals, synth
Sarra Keppola: synth, guitar, backing vocals
Oskari Halsti: drums, backing vocals, guitar
RULES tell us of the single’s narrative: “Wendy finally finds her own voice and asserts a newfound freedom. She sees herself as a product of her own time, but welcomes the change that new generations will bring. In the story Wendy is described as an ideal woman and mother figure from a male point of view. The song is an attempt to give her a voice of her own and to answer to all those expectations that have traditionally been placed on dainty female shoulders”.
RUMBA shared ‘Wendy’ – “RULES give female characters a voice” and “Helsinkiläisduo Rules tekee syntikoilla sävetetty pop-musiikkia, josta voi kuulla kaikuja aina brittirockin saralta asti. Kyseessä on duon toinen single ja sen perusteella yhtye kannattaa laittaa merkille”
Austin Town Hall ” I like how the shimmering synth work sort of hangs back; it definitely swells in your ears, but it doesn’t get int he way for the performance of Iiti Yli-Harja’s vocal performance. She comes in with a hint of 80s pop nostalgia coming across like a more rehearsed Tiffany; there’s just this extreme frivolity in her voice, and I can’t pull away”
Even The Stars (Track of the day) “Wendy takes up the story of J M Barrie’s female protagonist from Peter Pan. It does so with a shining glimmering synth-led track underneath it that feels irresistibly poppy.”
Along with the new single RULES also announce their self/titled debut album – which arrives via Soliti on the 21st August.
RULES album sleeve.
“The album evokes a multitude of different worlds, the tracks journeying from ancient Greece through icy depths of the polar circle to the moors of Northern England. The songs have an irresistible pop quality to them, and are all based on characters from world literature (apart from one that is from the film Suspiria, can you spot it?) There’s also a delicious Nirvana-cover in the mix. We hope you will enjoy listening to these songs as much as we have enjoyed creating them!” – RULES
RULES : RULES (Soliti 082)
Release date: 21/08/2020
Kafuku’s Wife
Nils
Wendy
Laodameia
Terry
Catherine
Lounge Act
Constantia
Susie
Eleanor
Watch the video to debut single ‘Kafuku’s Wife’
Initial reaction to RULES debut single
“…you have this well-crafted gem akin to the work of the Knife, only made more accessible by a certain polish to the songwriting. ” Austin Town Hall
“RULES were able to catch a Middle Eastern flavour even with synths and the structure of that first half reminds me very much of Highasakite’s ‘Iran’ with the supporting vocal not dissimilar from Ingrid Helene Håvik’s Bulgarian throat singing on that track.” Nordic Music Review
“The song provides an alternative perspective on the short story Drive My Car by Haruki Murakami, and the theme combines beautifully with the music to capture the sense of loss and search for meaning.” When You Motor Away
“Feelings overlayed with melancholy reminds somewhat of Chromatics and Beach House. When Oskari Halsti is in charge of the production, the overall outcome is groomed, international and interesting.” Alice & June
“Rarely does Finland produce such cool and smart electronic indie!” Päivän Biisit
Due to coronavirus RULES recently announced shows have sadly needed to be cancelled. New live dates will be announced soon.
Promo shot by Pekka Härkönen