One of our favourite new bands of the 2020's Helsinki 'dandy punks' DHARMA GUNS have just released their second album Nightmares And Broken Dreams. Vive Le Rock caught up with Pete Leppänen to find out how they manage to keep so busy...
Pete: Well, you don’t get any younger while waiting for life to happen. The songs just kept coming, so we went into the studio. Nowadays, it’s more common to release one digital single after another, or maybe an EP – but what can I say, we’re a vinyl-loving old-school rock band.
You are from Helsinki. Are those cold, dark nights good for sitting in a studio, drinking and jamming new songs?
Pete: Exactly! Why freeze our asses off outside when you can strum a guitar inside? The news also keeps feeding me ideas for new songs. The madness of the world seems to feed my creativity – sadly.
This album builds on 2024's Ex-Generation Superstars with more Social Distortion / Hanoi Rocks styled punk n' roll. What would you say the difference is?
Pete: The new album is a lot darker due to its lyrical themes. I guess it also has a bit of a '90s vibe. This time, we were clearly writing our sophomore album (I demoed over 20 songs and shared the best 14 with the guys), whereas the debut was a collection of songs I had written even before the band existed. And although the second album is more thoughtfully built as a whole, it still feels grittier, sharper and more raw than the debut. Like a dirty switchblade!
Whats the wildest show you have ever played?
Pete: We always go full speed ahead on stage, but of the recent shows, Stockholm was really great! There’s always an extra spark when you play abroad, and I believe the Stockholm crowd really felt it, too. If you don't bleed, limp, and croak after a show, you haven’t given enough.
Are you excited to be playing the U.K? Vive Le Rock will see you at the Hope and Anchor on Sunday May 24th. What can fans expect?
Pete: Hell yes, it's a dream come true. Bringing rock 'n' roll to the UK is like sending sand to the desert. But I do think we have a Finnish twist to our music that's worth checking out. Big thanks to our friend Steve Vincent for making this happen. Fans can expect a full-blown rock 'n’ roll performance with some surprises and Dharma classics. If you’re into glamour-reeking, goth-tinged action rock, your new favorite band comes from Helsinki!
Nightmares And Broken Dreams is out now through Rockhopper Music.
Dharma Guns play the following UK dates with Steve Vincent...
May 21 – Sneaky Pete's, Edinburgh
May 22 – Trillians, Newcastle
May 23 – Gifford Arms, Wolverhampton
May 24 – Hope & Anchor, London
Pic by Ville Malja