Kahdeksan Kertaa – Punomo

Finnish sung soul music set a towering benchmark with Punomo’s self-titled debut album in 2022. That album — bursting with authentic soul and funk — earned five-star accolades internationally. Following up something that good was always going to be a challenge. So, how does Kahdeksan Kertaa measure up?

Let’s start with the obvious: this album cover demands attention. The aerial shot of the band, their musical roles casting long shadows on a running track, is visually brilliant. It’s a reminder that album artwork can still be part of the listening experience—something you want to display, not just a thumbnail buried in a playlist.

And if you think the cover’s impressive, wait until you press play.

While Finnish melodies are often steeped in folk tradition, Kahdeksan Kerta pushes further, fusing retro soul and funk into something both timeless and energetically modern.

There’s no English here, so for non-Finnish speakers—like this reviewer—this is a pure musical experience. But language is no barrier when the groove is this good. The title track, Kahdeksan Kertaa, is pure infectious funk. Meanwhile, the first shimmering notes of Meil on Kaikki instantly transport you to a sun-soaked Miami (or Helsinki) evening, and the sound of vintage soul drifts from a convertible cruising the boulevard. Meil on kaikki isn’t just a standout—it’s a timeless gem.

What makes Punomo special?

Authenticity.
They’re not retro for retro’s sake. There’s no karaoke-style nostalgia here—just raw, in-the-moment soul with a distinctly Finnish fingerprint.

Johanna Rauma.
As the lead singer and co-songwriter, her voice is powerful and intimate. There’s a rare honesty in her delivery that makes every note feel like it was meant to be heard and embraced.

Production quality.
Tracks like Kuuntele Mua and the stunningly lush Viimeinen kerta wouldn’t sound out of place on a Daptone Records release or Timmion Records (Finland’s soul mecca), and Punomo is delivering on that level.

Arrangements.
The harmonies on Ihanan kiire bring back the warmth of ‘60s Motown — sweet, but never overdone. Then there’s the soft glow of the keys, the brushed horn accents, and those velvet guitar chords on On aika, a track that feels like a slow dance under city lights. And for those who like their funk dialed up? En Vaikene’s floor-shaking wah-wah groove could sit comfortably alongside classics from Isaac Hayes or Curtis Mayfield.

Dancers, take note: Viitta Liehumaan is going to test your endurance. Bring a towel.

If you missed Punomo’s debut album, go back and discover it — but don’t rush. Kahdeksan Kertaa holds its own as an exceptional soul album. And returning to that running track cover, if this were a race, Kahdeksan Kertaa might finish a breath behind their debut, but make no mistake—both are champions when it comes to Finnish soul.

LISTENER’S NOTES