Track of the Day: Aspesti – Blank (2026)
The grunge revival is here, and it looks like it’s set to stay. With Gen Z youngsters pulling up the grit and rawness of original Seattle underground grunge, the new breed of grungers (is that even a word?) present with the timeless sweep of 90s Nirvana styles and the punch of modern-day Gasket. Rambunctious, angsty, and brimming with a flutter of feistiness, the scene is being populated with underground bands making a mark in the raw grittiness of quintessential grunge.
Bring together three teenagers – 17-year-old Nooa Tiainen (vocals and guitar), Kalle Lehtonen (bass guitar), and Rasmus Minkkinen (drums) – with a passion for rock-inspired music and desire to hit people with powerful music, and you have Aspesti. This is my introduction to the group, but they are not just teens messing about in a garage; they are already turning heads far beyond their Finnish borders with their debut album receiving rave reviews in the UK, US and across Europe. Join us as we take a tentative step toward their single, ‘Blank’.
The title track off their 2026 album, ‘Blank’ might be short, but its oomph hits you right in the gut, leaving you breathless and fully aware of Aspesti. Produced by Jani Tanskanen and released via independent label Love Is Punk, ‘Blank’ is bold, heavy and seems to stick on your skin as the trio takes you through a dark, grungy sonic river. Thrashing drums pound from every direction, while a bold bass stomps across the melody; the scorching guitar swerves, slices and soars, bringing a rush of stirring music.
On one hand, there is an odd serenity and wholeness with every element riding the melody in rhythmic flow. On the other hand, the instruments stand out, punch, hit, and don’t necessarily collide but wrap together in the weighty shock of distorted sound. Rambunctious and brash, ‘Blank’ is made for sweaty mosh pits. Then again, it’s also the song that you have playing in the background while you chat with your friends at a Friday night get-together.
So, my overall opinion of Aspesti? Sophisticated and elegant, but raging with innocence and naive abandon, their music hits you between the eyes like a shot of tequila after a night out. Highly recommended!!
Find out more about Aspesti on their official website, Instagram, Soundcloud and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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