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“The chorus of one song from Finnish pop duo Maustetytöt’s popular 2023 album, Maailman Onnellisin Kansa, says, “You can see it in their faces / Oh, there’s no limit to their joy.” However, trying to find any signs of excitement or emotion in Kaisa and Anna Karjalainen’s faces can be difficult.
The two siblings, who are already well-known in their home country, made their debut on the international stage this winter with a rendition of one of their songs in the film Fallen Leaves, directed by renowned filmmaker Aki Kaurismäki. The scene has been highly praised and is a significant moment in the understated and uplifting film, which has been included on numerous end-of-year lists. However, Maustetytöt’s performance is subtly subdued: the duo playing their song in a dimly lit karaoke bar, barely moving their bodies or facial expressions as they diligently play their instruments.
During their music videos, 31-year-old guitarist Anna often dons sunglasses, while 30-year-old singer and keyboardist Kaisa appears unhappy or sits with her face down on a table. On their official website, they offer merchandise featuring a happy hardcore smiley, but its mouth is turned downwards instead of upwards. This is not the typical expression of joy. “We tend to be quite pessimistic,” stated Anna with a neutral expression during a video call.
“It’s a characteristic that runs in our family,” states her younger sibling. “By observing our parents, it’s easier to comprehend how we developed into the individuals we are.”
“Indeed, our parents,” Anna adds.
There is a hesitation as Kaisa speaks up: “Their outlook is quite negative and brief.”
The Finnish term for “spice girls” is Maustetytöt, which was chosen as a playful nod to the two members’ previous band name, Kaneli, meaning cinnamon, and also a reference to the popular English girl group. Kaisa explains that the name was given to them by a friend, and while some may have criticized it, they were determined to keep it as a reflection of their individuality. She clarifies that despite the name, the original Spice Girls were not a musical influence on them, as she only enjoyed their music when she was four years old.
This does not mean that the Karjalainen sisters do not enjoy writing catchy melodies. Maustetytöt is a unique band that combines an anti-pop mentality with the ability to create amazing pop songs. Their debut single in 2019, “Tein Kai Lottorivini Väärin” (I Guess I Got My Lottery Line Wrong), begins with a gritty garage-rock sound, featuring a minimal drum beat and a repetitive guitar riff. However, it then transforms into a grandiose anthem that could easily win over the audience at Eurovision.
In terms of subject matter, their records are a complete contrast to the carefree and indulgent nature associated with 90s girl power, which is reflected in their band name. While their album Kaikki Tiet Vievät Peltolaan (All Roads Lead to Peltola) released in 2019 may have revolved around themes of excess and alcohol consumption, their 2020 release Eivät Enkelitkään Ilman Siipiä Lennä (Even Angels Don’t Fly Without Wings) took on a more somber tone, delving into topics such as suicide, violence, and mental illness. Their latest project focuses on issues of immigration, refugees, and war.
However, despite this, two of Maustetytöt’s albums have achieved the top spot on the Finnish charts and the first two have been awarded gold certification. Anna suggests that perhaps pessimism is a common trait among Finnish people, possibly due to the cold and dark environment making it difficult to find happiness.
Collaborating with Kaurismäki was a meeting of creative minds. The 66-year-old filmmaker often incorporates live band performances in his movies and gained global recognition in 1989 with Leningrad Cowboys Go America, a satirical documentary about a Finnish rock band known for their exaggerated hairstyles and pointed shoes. Initially created as a humorous concept, the band has since released eight albums and remains active in touring Europe.
Anna stated that in 2022, they were invited to serve on the jury for a student film festival in Karkkila, where Aki resides. Initially, they were planning to decline the offer due to their busy schedule with their third album. However, upon learning that they may have the opportunity to meet Aki, they decided to accept because they have always been avid admirers of his work. Their admiration stems from his straightforward approach to creating films with compelling storylines and talented actors, without relying on any gimmicks or tricks.
The director expressed appreciation for their work. Kaisa shares, “He praised our music for its raw honesty, which he admires.” Despite Ansa (Alma Pöysti) appearing to fall asleep in the lead-up to the scene where the sisters are cast, it is not a dream that fulfills any desires. Dressed in worn bathrobes, Maustetytöt’s performance adds to the already somber and bleak atmosphere with their song.
“The Finnish chorus of the song states, ‘I am confined here for eternity. Even death cannot free me from these walls. When my time on earth is over, I will only be buried deeper in the ground.’ For Anna, their music serves as a warning to Holappa, Ansa’s love interest who struggles with alcoholism, of the potential outcome if he continues drinking. It is the moment when he realizes that he must stop or face death. In this way, Maustetytöt symbolize a hopeful conclusion.”
An adverse consequence of having a negative perspective on life is the potential for pleasant surprises. In March of last year, the United Nations’ yearly World Happiness Report ranked Finland as the happiest country in the world for the sixth consecutive year.
In May of 2024, the Karjalainen sisters will share their unique form of happiness with the rest of Europe through a series of performances in Germany, France, and Sweden. Due to Anna’s relocation to Helsinki and Kaisa’s residence in Tampere, they will be departing from separate locations. “As twins, we used to do everything together,” Kaisa explains. “But eventually, you come to realize that you have to–“
“Find a purpose in life,” Anna interjects, and a faint smile appears on Kaisa’s face as she finishes her sister’s statement: “Live independently and not rely on each other in a negative manner.”
Source: theguardian.com
