Haloo Helsinki!
2009/08/October - Apollo Live Club, Helsinki, FIN
Haloo Helsinki! who just released their second album Enemmän Kuin Elää in September are here tonight to celebrate City magazine's The Best Of The City 2009. That translates to the elite of the finest models to the finest sports teams, from the finest desserts to the finest pastry shops. The city has been rated.
As soon as the band hits the first note of the first song, they own the room. It doesn't really matter what happens between that first note of the first song and the last note of the last song of the show, this band is all about the feeling. If they'd make a mistake, they'd still own the room. If they'd fall off stage, they'd still own the room. If they'd rock the show, they'd definitely own the room. Their second name is Attitude and they're here to knock you off your feet.
Their signature sound is created from upbeat drums, rocking guitar riffs, unique lyrics and catchy melodies. The singer (Elli) has a special voice that makes the band very recognizable. As most of today's mainstream rock bands are very male dominated it's inspiring to witness a brisk change seeing a girl rock the stage, not only behind the microphone but also behind the bass.
What makes tonight's band assembly special is the absence of the other guitarist (Leo) who, apparently, was feeling a little too sick to play a show. Luckily the band had attained a stand-in for tonight. Behind the guitar you could spot a very active musician of the day; Henri (Salonen), has became familiar not only from his primary band Smak, but also his secondary projects 15 Minutes Before The Dive and being part of the live assembly for Pete Parkkonen's band for the whole summer. As Leo was obviously missed, Salonen showed no trouble fitting the stage and showing off his skills on this band's frame.
Haloo Helsinki! makes their crowd move as well with the old hits like Vieri Vesi Vieri and Perjantaina as the new hits Jos Elämä Ois Helppoo and Ei Eerika Pääse Taivaaseen. As they really do own the room and actually deal well with the minor difficulties appearing in their playing, I have to admit that I have seen better shows by them. I still have no doubt that these issues are nothing but a minor bump in their way to being the finest of finnish live music.
More photos..
profile / www / myspaceText: Joanna Tzortzis.
Photography: Markku Anttila