originally published: 04/24/2026
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 record cuts through the usual love-and-heartbreak tropes and digs into darker territory — life, death and everything in between — with a sharp, unapologetic punk edge.
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.
"'Eve' is a pretty clear feminist anthem, while 'Promises' deals with the sexual harassment and violence women face," says vocalist-guitarist Ida-Lotta.
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.
"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," says bassist Laura.
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.
"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," Ida-Lotta adds.
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.
Red Alert vinyl is available to order, among others, via Blue Bear Shop.
Upcoming tour in Finland:
Apr 30 – Lepakkomies, Helsinki (album release show)
May 2 – Fresh Carbage Records, Helsinki
May 16 – Punkpiknik/Kramsu, Jyväskylä
May 16 – Vastavirta (upstairs), Tampere
May 27 – Vastavirta, Tampere w/ Steröid
May 28 – Kuudes linja, Helsinki w/ Steröid
Jun 6 – Pikipop, Oulu
Jun 13 – Ketolaikka, Akaa
Jun 27 – Kultainen Kulaus, Helsinki
Aug 1 – Riihimäki Hardcore Fest, Riihimäki
Aug 15 – Käpygrilli, Helsinki
Sep 5 – Private event
More shows to be announced.
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