Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Troubles crash onto the scene with “Red Alert,” a debut that doesn’t waste a second. The album is a feral mix of grit, hooks and raw, emotionally charged vocals that plants the band firmly on the garage punk map.
Out now, the album is a relentless sprint. Most tracks clock in under two minutes, tearing past before you’ve caught your breath. The band only lets up on the final track — the record’s sole moment to stretch beyond the three-minute mark.
Already tipped as Radio Helsinki’s Musamusa Album of the Month ahead of release, “Red Alert” has also picked up airplay across Europe and the US with singles “Gimme Danger” and “Ghouls”.
Lyrically, the album moves through timeless themes like love, heartbreak, life and death — while its sharp sense of social commentary points to the band’s strong punk roots. Vocalist-guitarist Ida-Lotta says:
“‘Eve‘ is a pretty clear feminist anthem, while ‘Promises‘ deals with the sexual harassment and violence women face.”
Recorded with producer Ville Valavuo, who also handled mixing and mastering, “Red Alert” captures the band at their most immediate and unfiltered. The DIY ethos runs deep, with the band also creating their own artwork. Bassist Laura says:
“We sound exactly like ourselves on this record. It was great to hear that even the extra ideas we came up with in the rehearsal space, like piano parts, worked perfectly. Working with Ville was easy, he just got what we were after.”
Formed in 2023, Troubles are doing things their own way. The band have openly rejected Spotify, citing its monopoly and investment practices, making “Red Alert” available everywhere else instead. Ida-Lotta adds:
“We know we could reach more listeners there, but sticking to our values matters more. We want to be part of a change for the better.”
Troubles hit the road this spring and summer, celebrating the release at Helsinki’s Lepakkomies on May Eve with Rokets and Paha Lucia, before joining Australian outfit STERÖID for shows in Tampere and Helsinki later in May.
Troubles line-up:
Ida-Lotta – guitar, vocals
Laura – bass, vocals
Mikko – drums
Upcoming tour in Finland:
Learn more about the band via Bandcamp or Instagram. “Red Alert” vinyl is available to order, among others, via Blue Bear Shop.
