One Track Mind

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Self-described Finnish indie art-pop collective Rubik have just released their second full-length, Dada Bandits, via Paper Tiger. Although Rubik released their debut in 2005, their eleven-song sophomore LP will be their introduction to American audiences who will hear their eclectic instrumentation and spiraling compositions for the first time. The band has ingratiated themselves with audiences across the European festival circuit and even had their first record hit the #7 slot on the metal dominated Finland album charts.

“Wasteland” is the fourth track on Dada Bandits and begins with the wiry timbre of Artturi Taira’s singing and a Spartan drum machine beat. Things become increasingly fleshed out as the rhythm develops and some delicate piano notes are introduced alongside guitars, bass, and synths. With all of the instruments in place, the song settles into a trotting groove like fellow Scandinavians the Shout Out Louds used to produce–head-bopping but ultimately subservient to Taira’s vocal melodies. Structurally, “Wasteland” is structured like an airplane taking off: the opening passage is an unhurried taxi down the runway, then things pick up speed until the tipping point is hit and the song lifts up and away. Once airborne, things inevitably quiet down once more, and when “Wasteland” closes out, it does so without a bang, adroitly reaching that restful cruising altitude.