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The chorus of a song on Maustetytöt’s popular 2023 album “Maailman Onnellisin Kansa” translates to “You can see it in their faces / Oh, there’s no limit to their joy.” However, it can be difficult to discern any signs of excitement or emotion on the faces of Kaisa and Anna Karjalainen when observing them.
The two siblings, who are already popular in their home country, introduced themselves to the international stage this winter by performing one of their songs in Fallen Leaves, a critically acclaimed deadpan comedy directed by Aki Kaurismäki that is being considered for an Oscar. This scene is the highlight of the subtle and uplifting film, which has received high rankings on many end-of-year lists. However, Maustetytöt’s performance is quite modest: the duo playing their song in a dimly lit karaoke bar, barely moving their bodies or facial expressions as they skillfully play their instruments.
During their music videos, 31-year-old guitarist Anna is often seen wearing sunglasses, while 30-year-old singer and keyboardist Kaisa appears somber or sits with her face down on a table. Their website features merchandise with a happy hardcore smiley, but its mouth is turned downwards instead of upwards, which is not typical for expressing joy. During a video call, Anna states with a neutral expression, “We tend to be quite pessimistic.”
“My younger sibling also believes that this spirit runs in our family. Looking at our parents helps us understand why we have become the people we are.”
Anna adds, “Yes, our parents.”
Kaisa hesitates before stating, “They have a very negative and concise attitude.”
In Finnish, the name “Maustetytöt” translates to “spice girls” and is a play on words referencing the band’s previous name, Kaneli, which means “cinnamon.” It also pays homage to the popular English girl group. The name was given to us by a friend and is ironic because we are very different from the original Spice Girls. Despite receiving criticism for the name, we decided not to change it because we didn’t want to cheat. Kaisa clarifies that the Spice Girls were not a musical influence for us, as she only liked them when she was four years old.
The Karjalainen sisters are not opposed to creating catchy melodies. Maustetytöt are a unique band with a rebellious approach to pop music, yet they still manage to produce fantastic pop songs. Their debut single, “Tein Kai Lottorivini Väärin” (I Guess I Got My Lottery Line Wrong) from 2019, begins with a raw garage-rock sound featuring a simple drum beat and repetitive guitar riff, but then transitions into a grand, orchestral anthem that could easily compete in Eurovision.
Their music revolves around topics that are quite different from the indulgent and carefree attitude of 90s girl power, which their namesakes epitomized. For instance, their 2019 album, Kaikki Tiet Vievät Peltolaan (All Roads Lead to Peltola), delved into themes of excess and alcohol consumption. However, their 2020 release, Eivät Enkelitkään Ilman Siipiä Lennä (Even Angels Don’t Fly Without Wings), took on a more serious tone, addressing issues like suicide, violence, and mental illness, according to Anna. Their latest album focuses on the timely topics of immigration, refugees, and war.
Despite this, two of Maustetytöt’s albums achieved the top spot on the Finnish charts and both received gold certifications. Anna suggests that perhaps pessimism is a prevalent trait among Finnish individuals due to the harsh and dreary climate. She believes that finding happiness can be a challenge in such a cold and dark environment.
The partnership with Kaurismäki was a convergence of ideas. The 66-year-old filmmaker often showcases live musical 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 outrageous hairstyles and footwear. Initially created as a humorous concept by the director, the group went on to produce eight albums and still performs tours throughout Europe.
Anna mentioned that in 2022, they were invited to be part of the jury for a student film festival in Karkkila, where Aki resides. Initially, they were going to decline the invitation due to their busy schedule with their third album. However, upon learning that they might have the opportunity to meet Aki, they changed their minds. They have always been avid admirers of his work, particularly his straightforward approach in creating films with strong narratives and talented actors. There are no gimmicks involved.
The director appreciated their praise. Kaisa shares, “He mentioned how our music is honest and that’s why he enjoys it.” The part where he chose the sisters could be introduced by main character Ansa (played by Alma Pöysti) closing her eyes and drifting off, but if it is a dream, it does not fulfill any desires. Dressed in worn bathrobes, Maustetytöt sing a song that adds to the prevailing feeling of sadness and hopelessness.
The Finnish chorus of the song says, “I am trapped here indefinitely. Even death has its limitations. 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 Ansa’s love interest Holappa (played by Jussi Vatanen) who struggles with alcoholism. It is the moment when he realizes that he will die if he continues drinking. Therefore, Maustetytöt represent the possibility of a positive outcome in the end.
Having a negative perspective on life can actually lead to pleasant surprises. In March of last year, the United Nations’ World Happiness Report declared Finland as the country with the highest level of well-being for the sixth consecutive year.
In May 2024, the Karjalainen sisters will be spreading their unique happiness to other parts of Europe through a series of performances in Germany, France, and Sweden. Due to Anna living in Helsinki and Kaisa in Tampere, they will be departing from different locations. “We used to do everything together like twins,” Kaisa explains. “But eventually you realize you have to-“
“Find your own path,” interjects Anna, a faint smile appearing on Kaisa’s face as she finishes her sister’s statement: “Live your life independently and not rely on each other in a negative way.”
Source: theguardian.com
