Indica
Indica are special. I didn't know a word of Finnish when I first listened to them (to Tuuliset tienoot), in fact I'd never heard the language; but before the end I was ensnared and eager to learn it. And I do think the language is great, but much of that first impression is down to Indica's very emotional edge, beautifully expressed in their lyrical and melodic songs. Their music is pop, but somehow the word isn't adequate to describe what they do. You'll find that Finnish commentators routinely describe their music as 'mystical-romantic', and it's true that for the second album at least they did affect the look of Lord of the Rings extras. For me it was a case of instant addiction; their music is a very personal thing. There's a wealth of warm pleasures to be had in these songs, both melancholic and joyous.
Although our (UK) 'globalised' music scene may not be obviously receptive to a band like this, my belief is that their music is so strong that if you happen to play one of Indica's albums during thoughtful times, or when your perspectives on life are a little more textured than usual, you could be hooked. Winter 2007 they supported Nightwish on the Scandinavian leg of their world tour, which brought them a lot of new interest. Although they haven't been seen yet in the Anglo world, it does mean English lyrics have been written. I have mixed feelings about that(!), but with their talent they deserve the wider exposure. Their music needs to be heard!
The Albums
Valoissa
Indica's fourth album Valoissa (In The Lights) has arrived. What a pretty cover, eh? Nightwish's Toumas Holopainen had a hand in its production, and a new influence is obvious throughout, with some songs epic and sweeping, and others rich in heady atmosphere. Two of them were released in download form, with accompanying videos, Pahinta Tänään, and the title track, Valoissa. This band impresses more and more with each album. And Valoissa is breathtakingly good, filled to the brim with wonderful songs.
Kadonnut
puutarha
2007's Kadonnut puutarha (The Lost Garden) is that most precious thing, an album that surpasses already high expectations.
How on earth do I think up some new superlatives? This album grabs your
attention within the first few bars and never lets up, even as it moves
from its powerful early songs to the haunting and lyrical material which
runs to its nostalgic and evocative finish.
...read more
Tuuliset
tienoot
I
had no idea what to expect when I sent off for 2005's Tuuliset
tienoot (Windy Places) and as I said above I
was bowled over. And, while not quite the triumph the other two albums
are, it's still very good. It includes some excellent songs, ranging
from upbeat to slow and atmospheric. So, don't ignore this one if you
get into Indica at all.
...read
more
Ikuinen
virta
Ikuinen
virta (Everlasting Stream) was a terrific way
to announce their arrival in 2004. It kicks off with a bang, with infectiously
catchy pop, but also the smart (and intelligently literate :) Scarlett;
but carries on to some anthemic songs of sweeping magnificence. Mesmerisingly
good, an essential purchase.
...read
more
Live Show
Sieravuori, near Eura, Finland
Lyrics
I've noticed that quite a lot of searches leading to these pages are looking for lyrics. Since the Finnish words are given in full in the album leaflets, I assume the searchers are looking for English lyrics. This may mean one of two possibilities.
One: you may want the 'official' English lyrics for the songs performed on the Nightwish tour of Scandinavia. As far as I know, those lyrics only exist for the songs sung on that tour, and they have not been formally published anywhere. Yet. Note that those lyrics are not direct translations of the original Finnish songs. I'm afraid your best bet is probably to listen very carefully to the amateur video clips of the Nightwish tour on YouTube. Good luck! :)
Two: if you are looking for English translations of the original Finnish lyrics, then most if not all of the songs have been translated by fans on the English pages of the Indica forum. I've had a go at translation myself a few times, but given the mistakes I made, I certainly won't mislead you by publishing my own efforts here. There are two places to look; first, here, and then here (in case those links don't work, you want the English Discussion thread, and then the newer English Lyric Translations thread). You may need to be patient before you find the song you want. Also, bear in mind that these aren't official translations and they haven't been endorsed or even commented on (as far as I know) by Jonsu or any other member of the band. And, Finnish being what it is, and Jonsu being the writer she is, don't expect precise translations. There's too much ambiguity, subtlety and nuance for us to enjoy!
Link
Indica's
site has been reborn once more, with a darker, slightly more Gothic character.
There are plentiful music and video clips relating to all four albums; a gallery - though nothing very recent here at the moment; a reorganised shop, now able to deal with international orders; band biographies; occasional blogs by band members; a guestbook, and a well looked after forum.