VILLE HÄRKÖNEN & VELVET

Maryland from Joensuu was a band who knew their tunes and hooks, as their two critically acclaimed albums (Rob & Jones Classic, 2002, and Almond of Life, 2004) proved. When Maryland decided to call it quits in autumn 2005, the band's three-man shock brigade Ville Härkönen (vocals and guitar), Petri Varis (bass) and Tuomas Kinnunen (drums) had already a new project with the name Ville Härkönen & Velvet underway. With their former band now officially history, they had the time and the energy their new lovechild demanded.

Even if there are a lot of similarities between Maryland and Ville Härkönen & Velvet, there is still much that lifts VH&V above the level of just being Maryland Mk. II. What is common for both is the songs that are melodic, moody and unashamedly catchy. What separates the two bands, however, is the attitude. As the members have matured and mellowed, their forehead wrinkles have disappeared along with their need to reassure everyone of their brilliance. Now they can play their country pop with their top shirt buttons open and their stetson hats casually over their eyes.

Ville Härkönen & Velvet released their first album Lemonade Cowboys in November 2005. Although this music is best enjoyed in a leisurely manner, preferably by candlelight, alternatively by a campfire, it goes down well in festival settings too.

www.merceedees.fi/velvet/

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