Disco Ensemble: 10 Years of First Aid Kit #FirstAidKit10

I can’t believe it. My favorite album,  from my beloved favorite band Disco Ensemble celebrates 10 years of have seen the light, of have been released. First Aid Kit, their second album and probably the most successful of all. It's exciting and nostalgic know what happened so long and that thereafter these twelve songs have become anthems and real life soundtracks for me.

I knew about Disco Ensemble in 2009, when I was 13. I knew them through the game Fifa 08. When I heard the powerful We Might Fall Apart the first time I was fascinated with the power of their sound. In that moment, I tried to get deeper into the world of rock and punk and that discovery was amazing, musically speaking, the best of my life.

I knew I needed that music in my life, that I should look over them. At first I thought they came from the UK. Great was my surprise when I realised that they were from the far country of Finland, which I really knew a little. My curiosity grew up.

At that age I was facing instability cause of the early adolescence. Anger, sadness, confusion and dreams seized me. I didn’t feel happy with my surroundings, I felt empty. I was filling that void with music, full of energy and feelings.

I did not find much about Disco Ensemble on the Web. I found their website and I visited frequently and the few videos on YouTube. I was listening to their songs gradually, according I found them. I looked for their lyrics and tried to translate them, without understanding much at first. Basically so I began to learn English in that way.

We Might Fall Apart was the first song. Then continued, See If I Care, Sleep On The Wheel, Videotapes, Fresh New Blood, Drop Dead Casanova, Black Euro and the list became bigger. I saw some videos of the Eastpak Antidote Tour. I listened the songs and I felt vibrate on the skin. I heard them so many times and I don’t get tired.

I learned their names, somewhat difficult to pronounce. The unique, passionate and natural voice of Miikka Koivisto, along with his ability on the keyboard. Fierce and synchronized rhythms battery of Mikko Hakila. The ability and passion of Lasse Lindfors on bass. The powerful riffs and unique solos of the guitar of  Jussi Ylikoski, who is still my favorite guitarist. Together, these men created and create the music I most enjoy in the world. They are my favorite band.

Nobody knew them in my country, Mexico. I taught my friends from secondary school that music. Some of them liked it and others not,  the conventional music here is very different. I gave myself the task of promoting them as much as I could. Some people from here share with me the pleasure of listening, though we remain few.

I remember when I listened the full album First Aid Kit. by the first time, "A whole piece of art" I thought. I identified with the melodies, the energy and lyrics, still a little mysterious. I loved that album and it would not be long before it became my favorite album, more than any other. Now I shall explain why.

I loved the cover. My favorite colors were there, red and black. On the wings had a small skull and a heart pierced by a dagger. I didn’t understand because I loved it so much neither why it became a symbol for me.   I  tried to draw it in my notebooks, unsuccessfully. It's hard to explain, but I felt that this is a representation of my life and my fears. And as the title says, I needed a first aid kit to deal with life.

Now, I’m going to talk about what means each one of the songs for me:

This Is My Head Exploding. Explosive. I hear that song every time I'm upset, each I feel I can no more. Whenever I felt I would explode. In adolescence I  thought I did not need many friends or aid, and  I used to sang these verses with fury. The power of song is fantastic.

We Might Fall Apart. Realistic. The probability of all falls down and eventually crumble. The moment when things start to become weird.  The voice and the excellent synchronization of the instruments is something that has enchanted me and the people who have listened it. It is unmissable.

Drop Dead, Casanova. Revealing. A song to question everything, to face the misery of lies staying everywhere. To leave behind conservative veils and begin to see the reality. A desire to show true freedom. My country has always faced serious problems of all types, especially corruption. This song is a dream and also a motivation to change everything.

Human Cannonball.  A lesson. One of my favorites. The melody and riffs are endearing. One consolation when I felt weak. With those experiences people become strong, all we have ever been a human cannonball. Facing the difficulties and enemies, that means to me.

Eyes of a Ghost. Powerful. People who become ghosts, because they lose everything. Death in life. I love the perfect way how the voice and rhythm are creating the strength of this song. It is a perfect song for a cool autumn day. A breath for those lost souls.

Black Euro. Adrenalin. I imagine grand larceny and a police chase when I hear this song. All motivated by the dark and dominant power of money. The illustration is very significant, man in suit with a deranged and empty mind. The video for the song is very good, I wish have seen that in my city.

First Aid Kit. Perfect. The ideal metaphor and a haunting melody. If I could choose a song from all I know, this will be. I've never had a car accident, but  I had many others of all kinds. The guitar solo has repeatedly ruffled my skin. When I bought my guitar, I learned to play this song because I dreamed of doing and  I enjoyed like never before. I think until I hear it live, I could not die in peace. Here, we name things like this in a particular way: de poca madre.

Fresh New Blood. Trigger. At first I thought about vampires listening this song. When I saw the lyris, everything changed. Give all, be strong, and go where you want to go. That is what I wanted and still desire. It's a little mantra in any way. And it also reminds me once, when I met a pretty girl. That has no explanation.

See If I Care. Vitalist. Always pondered how was the world with this song. Sometimes it was desperating and I finished writing and singing with frustration and anger. I wanted to pretend I did not care, but it was a mistake. Always, it ended matters to me and I wished the others too.

So Long, Sisters. Escape. Many times, I  imagined in my mind escape from it all, my family and friends to find my own way. It was very idealistic, but I liked the thought. Until today, I can’t help moving your head side to side to listen. It has a great pace.

You Are The Dawn. Romantic. I wanted to find a girl to be my dawn, someone who I cared more than the other stuff. I think I've found her, though I've never told her about this one. So I feel my city sometimes, abandoned and guided by things that should not matter more than what is really valuable.

Sleep on the Wheel. Fascinating. I can’t imagine a better song to close the album. It reminds me of all the trips I've done in my life, the ways of life and the times when people feel lost, asleep at the wheel. And yes, we need a love that keeps us awake. Few songs inspire me like this. I can’t stop listening to the latest version, it's exciting.

Lightnings everywhere in the illustrations. Since then, I enjoy when I see them in the sky. They remind me of the strength and energy, and many of the songs of this band. Each song of First Aid Kit, is a lightning itself. I think not being able to define them differently.

I remember when I bought this album. It was an odyssey. I asked my cousin to Los Angeles to make the order, the First Aid Kit, the Video Vortex and The Island of Disco Ensemble. From Helsinki to Mexico City, they toured. The package arrived the day I left secondary school. It was the perfect gift.

I could stay counting memories of each song. But what I’d like to say is that they have become essential part of the soundtrack of my life. I grew up listening this music and a lot from what I am is thanks to these songs, all that make me feel and remember. I can’t imagine my life without Disco Ensemble and First Aid Kit, because they have become part of it.

I could also write about the other albums and EP's, from Ghosttown Effect to Warriors, but it will be another time. I will only say that their music has always been what music has to be: an expression of the life. I believe in that idea and in musicians who do what they like, not what others want to impose.

Mikko, Miikka, Lasse, Jussi: This is a small way of thanking you for being a band so extraordinary, for making this fantastic album. You deserve all the possible congratulations. I hope you enjoy this day and never stop doing what you love. Good luck with new projects and  new days.

It would be a dream come true to see you here in Mexico. I'm sure it would be an unforgettable experience for you and for everyone who would the experience of listen you. Thanks for everything, guys. It is a pleasure to listen you and write for you. Thanks for all the inspiration. Happy #FirstAidKit10!

Sincerely,

Ethan C. a.k.a. Īsan Rokr