New track today from Finnish melancholy dancepop act Viola. Unlike a lot of other Finnish acts who dabble in gothitude (HIM, The Rasmus, et al), Viola actually writes good songs and has an edge to their sound. This is most definitely not the typical watered-down bs you might expect from that part of the world. Dark pop hooks and a beat you can dance to. If you've been listening a lot of various New Order/80s nostalgia soundalikes that keep popping up, Viola mines many of the same influences, but updates their sound with their own flair. Very recommended and available from ye IAT webstore.

MP3: Viola - Tedium rock

New track today from Finnish melancholy dancepop act Viola. Unlike a lot of other Finnish acts who dabble in gothitude (HIM, The Rasmus, et al), Viola actually writes good songs and has an edge to their sound. This is most definitely not the typical watered-down bs you might expect from that part of the world. Dark pop hooks and a beat you can dance to. If you've been listening a lot of various New Order/80s nostalgia soundalikes that keep popping up, Viola mines many of the same influences, but updates their sound with their own flair. Very recommended and available from ye IAT webstore.

Viola - Tedium rock

Also: Just got a shipment of new CDs from If Society including the latest from Red Carpet, Boys of Scandinavia and Viola. First three lucky folks to order any of these bad boys also gets a free label sampler! Buy now!

Viola has started to keep a blog: http://www.ifsociety.com/viola/burt.php

Download a brand new song from Finland's Viola: http://www.ifsociety.com/files/Viola-I_Dont_Know_How_To_Party.mp3
The track comes from the band's upcoming album "Anything can stop us" due out November 23 via If Society.

The melancholy disco duo of Viola will be getting some ultra-special live help in the near future from Jesi of Ultranoir and Tuomas Ilmavirta of Ultramariini. For upcoming dates around Finland, go here: http://www.pophurts.com/

If Society has confirmed their upcoming release schedule:

11/02 - Boys of Scandinavia - Why do you love me CDS
11/23 - Boys of Scandinavia - Kill the party CD
11/23 - Viola - Anything can stop us CD

Podcast: Build it up, break it down, mess it up

Tons of new stuff added to mailorder department, including both albums from Danish hardcore act The Psyke Project and a huge selection of If Society's recent releases including records from Viola, Frivolvol, Echo Is Your Love, Fun and more. Start shopping!

If Society's release schedule for the rest of the year:

08/24 - Frivolvol - "Frivolous vol 2: The False Security Program" CD (IF-28)
09/28 - Red Carpet CD (IF-29)
11/02 - Boys of Scandinavia CD-single (IF-30)
11/23 - Boys of Scandinavia CD (IF-31)
11/23 - Viola CD (IF-32)

Finland's Viola has been downsized by half as Anu and Esa have been asked to leave the band. Remaining members Tommi and Riku will continue on as a duo as the positions of keyboards and bass will not be replaced. Otherwise, the upcoming record featuring the old lineup will still be released as planned in November. Read more: http://www.ifsociety.com/viola/news.php?newsid=19

Mp3 blog Uncritical posts a track from Finland's Viola: http://uncritical.blogspot.com/2005/04/its-about-time-for-big-turnover.html

The theme for Viola's upcoming June 3 concert at Semifinal has been selected: girl bands. The setlist has yet to be selected, but expect to hear hits from the likes of All Saints, TLC, The Supremes, Martha & the Vandellas, Spice Girls, Destiny's Child and more. Good times.

Head over to Viola's website to vote on the theme for their upcoming "Viola day" concert at Semifinal in Helsinki this coming June: http://www.pophurts.com/
Past themes have included Eurodance, hard rock ballads and grungerock and there's live audio samples from each for sampling.

Oh, and If Society has also posted an mp3 for the lead track from the new Viola album "Melancholydisco". Check it out here: http://www.ifsociety.com/files/Viola%20-%20Sad%20Eyed%20Disco%20Dancers.mp3