The Quintessential Sound of Trio Anuri: Regressive Rock from the Banks of Aurajoki

speaker1

Welcome to our podcast, where we dive deep into the world of underground and unique music! I’m your host, and today we have a special treat. We’re exploring the quintessential sound of Trio Anuri, a Finnish band that’s making waves with their regressive rock and outlaw country fusion. Their music is a blend of raw, unpolished energy and deep, philosophical lyrics. So, grab your headphones and join us on this musical adventure! But first, let’s introduce our co-host, who’s as excited about this as I am. Hi, [Speaker 2]!

speaker2

Hi everyone! I’m [Speaker 2], and I’m beyond thrilled to be here today. I’ve been a fan of Trio Anuri’s music for a while now, and I can’t wait to delve into their unique sound. What exactly is regressive rock, and how did Trio Anuri come to define it?

speaker1

Regressive rock, or 'regro' as they call it, is a fascinating genre that harks back to the roots of rock music, but with a modern twist. It’s like a musical time capsule that brings the raw, unfiltered sound of the 70s back to life, but with a contemporary edge. Trio Anuri, based in Turku, Finland, started by playing on the streets, which gave them a unique sense of authenticity. Their instruments are unconventional, and their lyrics are deeply introspective, often touching on themes of life, death, and everything in between. For example, in their song 'Myrrysmies,' they explore the life of a mythical forest dweller, blending folklore with modern storytelling.

speaker2

That sounds really intriguing! Can you tell me more about the instruments they use? I’ve heard they have some pretty unique setups.

speaker1

Absolutely! Trio Anuri’s instrument choices are part of what makes them so distinctive. Pete, the lead vocalist and guitarist, plays both acoustic and ukulele. Teemu, on the other hand, uses a minimalist drum setup, often employing a homemade kit that includes a tomato juice can for the kick drum. Now, Ilde is the real standout. He plays electric guitar, but he’s also known for using a sardine tin guitar, a cigar box guitar, and even a blues balalaika. These instruments give their sound a gritty, street-level feel that’s absolutely captivating. For instance, in 'Pätkätöitä,' the sardine tin guitar adds a haunting, almost industrial vibe to the track.

speaker2

Wow, that’s wild! I mean, a sardine tin guitar? I’ve never heard of that before. How do these instruments affect the overall sound of the band?

speaker1

The sardine tin guitar, or 'sikarilaatikkokitarat' as they call it, is a perfect example of how they blend the old with the new. It’s essentially a small, homemade guitar that’s made from a sardine tin, and it produces a unique, resonant sound that’s both raw and melodic. This, combined with Pete’s acoustic and ukulele, and Teemu’s minimalist drums, creates a sound that’s both familiar and fresh. The result is a kind of music that feels like it could have been played in a dusty roadhouse in the 70s, but with a modern, DIY sensibility. It’s all about stripping down the music to its essential elements and letting the emotion and storytelling take center stage.

speaker2

It’s amazing how they manage to create such a rich sound with such simple instruments. Speaking of which, I’ve always been curious about the band’s name. What does 'Trio Anuri' mean, and where did it come from?

speaker1

Great question! The name 'Trio Anuri' is as enigmatic as their music. 'Anuri' can refer to several things, but the band often describes it as a reference to the migration of leeches or a bloody discharge from a horseshoe. However, there’s a deeper, more poetic meaning. The name also alludes to a diamond mine in the Canadian Arctic called Rocking Horse, where 'anuri' is a term for hard, deep rock. It’s a nod to the raw, unpolished nature of their music and the deep, emotional layers they explore in their lyrics. It’s a perfect encapsulation of their philosophy and sound.

speaker2

Haha, that’s quite a mix of meanings! So, what exactly is 'regressive rock,' and how does it influence their music and lyrics?

speaker1

Regressive rock is a term Trio Anuri coined to describe their music. It’s a return to the roots of rock, but with a modern, experimental twist. Think of it as a mix of early progressive rock, with its complex structures and deep themes, combined with the raw, street-level energy of punk and outlaw country. Their lyrics are particularly noteworthy. They avoid clichés and aim for a kind of multi-layered, ambiguous storytelling. For example, in 'Isoveli,' they weave a tale of a mysterious older brother, life in the wilderness, and the cyclical nature of existence. It’s like a literary journey set to music.

speaker2

That’s really fascinating. How do they approach the process of writing their songs? Do they have any specific methods or inspirations?

speaker1

Their songwriting process is deeply collaborative and often inspired by personal experiences and the world around them. They focus on strong, memorable melodies and lyrics that are both evocative and thought-provoking. One of their key strategies is to avoid the obvious and clichéd. They strive for a kind of poetic ambiguity, where the listener can interpret the songs in multiple ways. For instance, 'Mullan Alle' is a song about living under the surface, both literally and metaphorically. It’s a reflection on the hidden aspects of life and the struggles that often go unseen. They also draw heavily from Finnish folklore and the natural world, which adds a rich, cultural layer to their music.

speaker2

I love that. It’s like their music is a puzzle that you can piece together in different ways. How does the outlaw country influence play into their music? I’ve always found that genre to be so full of character and storytelling.

speaker1

Exactly! The outlaw country influence is a significant part of their sound. It’s a genre that’s all about defiance, rebellion, and living life on the edge. Trio Anuri channels this spirit through their music, creating a sound that’s both rebellious and deeply reflective. They use elements like the distorted electric guitar and the hard-hitting drum beats to convey a sense of urgency and raw emotion. In songs like 'Jussin Juna,' the outlaw country influence is evident in the narrative about a train journey through the wilds, with a sense of adventure and danger. It’s a perfect blend of the old and the new, creating a sound that’s entirely their own.

speaker2

It’s so cool how they’ve managed to fuse these different genres. I’m curious, what are some of their most notable performances or venues? I imagine their live shows must be something to experience.

speaker1

Their live performances are indeed something special. They’ve played at a variety of venues, from street corners and small bars to larger stages like the Turku Library Steps. One particularly memorable performance was at the Library Steps during a summer festival. The crowd was mesmerized by their raw energy and the way they interacted with each other and the audience. They’ve also been known to play impromptu gigs in the most unexpected places, like abandoned factories and remote forests. It’s all part of their ethos to bring music back to its roots and create a truly immersive experience.

speaker2

That sounds incredible! I’ve always loved the idea of spontaneous, intimate gigs. How has their sound evolved over time? I mean, they started on the streets, so there must have been a lot of changes.

speaker1

Their sound has definitely evolved, but in a very intentional and organic way. They started with a more straightforward, street-level approach, but over time, they’ve refined their sound to be more complex and layered. They’ve experimented with different instruments and arrangements, while still maintaining that raw, unpolished feel. For example, their earlier tracks like 'Siperian Sheikki' were more straightforward and folky, but as they’ve grown, songs like 'Mullan Alle' have become more intricate, with deeper lyrical themes and more sophisticated musical structures. They’re always pushing the boundaries of what they can do with their minimalist setup.

speaker2

That’s really inspiring. I’ve always admired bands that continue to grow and evolve. Have you had a personal experience with their music that really stood out to you?

speaker1

Absolutely! The first time I heard Trio Anuri was at a small, intimate gig in Turku. They played 'Isoveli,' and the way the music filled the room was just magical. The blend of Pete’s haunting vocals, Teemu’s tight drumming, and Ilde’s experimental guitar work created a vibe that was both nostalgic and forward-looking. It was like being transported to a different time and place. The lyrics, with their deep, ambiguous meaning, really resonated with me. It’s one of those rare moments where you feel like the music is speaking directly to you.

speaker2

That’s really moving. I can see why you’re such a fan. What are some of their future plans? Are they working on any new projects or upcoming tours?

speaker1

Trio Anuri is always on the move, and they have some exciting plans in the works. They’re currently working on a new album that will further explore the themes of regressive rock and outlaw country. They’re aiming to strip their sound down even more, focusing on essential elements and creating a more immersive listening experience. They’re also planning a series of gigs, both in Finland and possibly abroad, to bring their unique sound to new audiences. One of their goals is to continue to push the boundaries of what live music can be, whether it’s on a street corner or a festival stage. They’re truly committed to their art and to connecting with their listeners on a deeper level.

speaker2

I can’t wait to see what they come up with next. It’s been a fantastic journey learning about Trio Anuri today. Thanks so much for joining us, [Speaker 1]! If you’re a fan of unique, genre-defying music, be sure to check out Trio Anuri on all the major streaming platforms. And that’s it for today’s episode. Stay tuned for more deep dives into the world of underground music!