Apulanta – Helsinki; April 30th 2011

Ever since first hearing Apulanta on CD I have wanted to see them live. There was something about their music that I thought would work great in front of an audience and the live CD I have sure sounded good. Having come to Helsinki to visit friends for vappu (Mayday), I finally had the chance … and walked away somewhat disappointed.

So what happened? Was it because I was standing on the stairs and not in the crowd as usual? Was it because said crowd was so much lamer than I had expected? Was it because I didn’t understand any of what they were saying or singing? Was the mood just wrong? Or could it have been the setlist that included many old songs but few hits?

Overall it was very relaxing. We got there in time for the doors to open, walked in, picked out spots on the stairs and waited. People filed in, dressed up for vappu and in party mood. The place filled, but didn’t feel too crowded, even tough it was sold out – we still had room to stand comfortably.

The show started and I waited for the music to grab me, carry me. I took a few pictures and got annoyed about the overuse of the fog machine (what is it with the Tavastia lately?). Looking at the crowd I wondered when they would go completely nuts, jump and dance as my friends had predicted they would. They seemed rather tame to me.

The concert proceeded, the songs washed over me. There were some that I love, I jumped a bit and even sang along a little, smiled. Still, it was hard to keep the excitement up, because they played so much stuff I didn’t recognize or remember. It was certainly enjoyable to watch them, but nothing more. The final kick that I am always waiting for at concerts was missing.

I did have fun watching the crowd, grinned at the worm-shaped balloon someone had brought to make them play ‘Mato’ (worm) and was happy for them when they actually did. I enjoyed hearing ‘Kirous’, ‘Koneeseen  kadunnut’ and ‘Vauriot’, but I also missed ‘Kaivo’ and some other songs I had been hoping for.

They are a good live band and I am sure this gig was a treat for long-time fans with so many old songs being played, but for the crowd that was there and especially for me, it seemed the wrong selection of songs. Would I go to see them again? Probably, everyone deserves a second chance! Would I say this was a great gig? Nah, it was OK, but not more.