Support act: Deep Insight
Like main act The Rasmus, Deep Insight are from Helsinki, Finland. I didn't know who they were, but was pleasantly surprised at their performance! With their enthusiasm and energy, they managed to warm up the crowd in no time and had most of us bouncing along. The set was short; just half an hour/seven songs and I was sad to see them go. I wouldn't have minded to see them for a while longer! Some of the riffs reminded me of My Chemical Romance, so did the bassist's clothes and make up. When I talked to the boys after the gig Johannes (guitars) told me MCR are one of their favourite bands at the moment and indeed a great inspiration. He also told me they had been playing together for four years and had just released their second album 'Red Lights, White Lines'. Besides supporting The Rasmus on their current tour through Europe, they have also opened for Lostprophets and will be opening for HIM at their legendary Tavastia gig in Helsinki at new year. They are currently working very hard to establish their name outside of Finland, I am sure that they will be successful. Keep this name in mind, this could be a big one! Official website. Pictures of the show.
The Rasmus
After what seemed like forever, the crew was finally done with the gear and lights and music (Pearl Jam - Evenflow) faded. Lauri appeared on stage with a huge grin on his face, clearly in the mood to perform! Kicking off with Night After Night set perfect the mood for the show; the song is a good representation of the band's music and vibe. Lauri wsn't the only one that was in a good mood; Aki and Pauli were smiling a lot. Pauli's big hair wasn't hidden under a beenie this time and there was a fan on stage in front of him, blowing his hair up and out of his face. He had stunning new guitars with the word 'Dynasty' written on both of them.
Lauri's singing has improved since last time I saw them live! And that's not just because it was only the fifth night of the tour. Before the gig we were unsure if he would be able to sing some parts of the new songs on key, but there wasn't a false note the entire evening! His technique has really improved! Apart from his singing, he is now confident enough about his playing to pull out an acoustic guitar for a few songs!
The acoustic set they did in the middle of the show was such a success that they included again in the current tour. This time the band asked us which songs we wanted to hear. Though we shouted our loudest that we wanted them to play Ice, some people closer to the stage suggested Liquid, which they agreed to do. Next up was F-f-falling, another oldie. Aki and Pauli were sitting next to eachother, grinning like mad and joking around. Funeral Song is beautiful acoustic, but I missed Aki's drumming. There's only so much you can do with just one cymbal and a tambourine.
The crowd was nice this time. No pushing, no extreme squealing, except when Aki was about to throw his drumsticks. Someone on the balcony threw something on stage and Eero commented that whenever people were throwing things on stage it was either candy or teddybears. He must have been dissapointed that it wasn't underwear.
Lauri was very chatty in between the songs and Eero mentioned something about crowdsurfing and that he wanted to try that himself one day. As I expected Sail Away was the last song of the evening. Sail away, it's time to leave... What a cliché to end with that! I must admit that everyone knew they would be coming back for an encore, so it wasn't really the last song, but I would have loved a bit of originality. Put it in the middle of the setlist next time guys! When they came back out, Lauri started rapping something that sounded vaguely familiar. It took a while before I realised it was a very old song called Funky Jam. A spontaneous add to the setlist! Break through hit In The Shadows was up next, happily shouted along even by the parents at the back of the crowd. I like it when shows and on a high, leaving you buzzing with adrenaline. The Rasmus like to end on a slow note though and closed off with Don't Let Go.
Verdict: The show was good, the band have improved their playing and singing and we had a good time. The only downside was the lack of old songs in the setlist and that Deep Insight only played for half an hour.
Imre
Click here to see pictures of this gig!
