Shine 2009 hits the retro world hard with their full-length debut, Realism, which will drop on May 3rd via Cascine.

Following their Associate EP release, the Finnish duo has once again shown that they are unlike the bands of this generation, with their first single off Realism, “So Free.” Their sound resides more suitably with the days of Paula Abdul.

Random to refer to a time period as that of Ms. Abdul, but this name drop has a purpose. The track, “So Free” features the vocals of Paula Abdul. We are being “straight up” with you when we tell you this collaboration flawlessly works.

“So Free” will turn a pessimistic day into one filled with optimism. Sami Suova and Mikko Pykär’s created a track that has happily lighthearted vocals mixed with a jazzy and funky beat. Warning, this next comment is by no means an insult, but rather a praise to the beginnings of pop music. “So Free” reminds us of the laidback, but still pop infused tracks we would hear from the Spice Girls. We are talking about that “true” pop sound before techno and electronic music bombarded the upbeat, but at times, soothing sound of 90s pop.

Shine 2009, you reminded us why we first started to love pop.

by Lonnie Nemiroff