‘You can see it in their faces / Oh, there’s no limit to their joy” goes the chorus to one song on Finnish pop duo Maustetytöt’s hit 2023 album Maailman Onnellisin Kansa, which translates as The Happiest People in the World. But scanning the faces of Kaisa and Anna Karjalainen for signs of exultation – or any emotion whatsoever – can be a challenge.
The two sisters, already stars in their native country, announced themselves to the rest of the world this winter with a performance of one of their songs in Fallen Leaves, veteran arthouse director Aki Kaurismäki’s Oscar-shortlisted deadpan comedy. It’s the pivotal scene in an understated feelgood hit that has topped many end-of-year lists, but Maustetytöt’s performance could not be more minor-key: the pair performing their song in a dimly lit karaoke bar, hardly moving their bodies nor their facial muscles as they diligently play their instruments.
