Album Review ~ Ginger Evil ~ 'The Way It Burns'

Producing the most metal bands per capita in the world, Finland’s latest export is Ginger Evil, a female-fronted band that’s ready to make waves.

Blending raw rock energy, melodic hooks and the dark atmospheric undertones that Finland is known for, their debut album, The Way It Burns, is out now on Frontiers Music Srl.

Ginger Evil began in Helsinki as Moonshine Inc. in 2005. After a couple of years of rehearsals and composing, a fruitless search for the right singer meant the songs were put on ice. Meanwhile, guitarist Tomi Julkunen and bassist Veli Palevaara continued gigging on.

The powerful voice of Ella Tepponen was known to Tomi and Veli from many theater and music projects, and apparently, everyone knows drummer Toni Mustonen in Finland! Jamming together, they found a shared musical passion, and soon, Ginger Evil was born.

From Foo Fighters to Fleetwood Mac is how this quartet describes their music, but I’m also hearing Ash Costello of New Years Day with a touch of Natasha Bedingfield. The album’s opener, “Rainmaker,” brings exactly that mix. A good hook, strong melody and Ella’s distinct vocals on this song are a great way to start.

I love the acoustic, almost folksy feel to “Flames.” This song could find its place on both rock radio and in the waiting room of a dentist’s office.

“Arrowhead” is a solemn, piano-driven showcase for Ella’s powerful and soulful voice. Songs like this will cast a wide net for potential fans of this talented new band.

One of the most relatable, toe-tapping tracks on the album is “Better Get in Line.” The classic, funky rock riff is contagious. Could a Black Crowes influence be heard at the root of this rocker?

The Way it Burns offers a lot of twists and turns along the way. Just when you think you can categorize and describe its sound, songs like “Black Waves” and “Whispers” make you reconsider.

Guitarist Tomi Julkunen says, “The main reason for forming Ginger Evil was to have a safe place as a band, where the song is the boss. Not the production, not the so-called perfect sound, not the number one single. If someone else likes the song, it’s an added bonus.”

Well, Tomi, I do like these songs! And the album’s closer, “Wake Me Up,” may be the best of the bunch. I came back to this one several times – finding new reasons to be impressed with each listen. It’s just a well-crafted song from start to Finnish (pun intended!).

Only time will tell if Ginger Evil can break through today’s crowded music scene, but I’m definitely pulling for them from afar.

Review by I’m Music Magazine Writer Steve Pawlowski