Psycho-Rama Helsinki: Old Men Do It Best

Polecats

It's safe to say that what is true for wine is also true for Rock'n'Roll these days. The older the better. By far the best band of yesterday's Psycho-Rama Festival's first day in Helsinki were the Polecats. All in their late 40s(I guess) they played with so much energy and fun, it was easy to see that they were enjoying what they did a lot. And the audience loved it and loved the band. They played a great set, much more 'old' songs than when I saw them last autumn. They even did my 'are Go' favourite 'All Night Long' AND - drum roll - 'Make A Circuit With Me'. It will sound emo but that made me very happy! I was then hoping for the even better 'Juvenile Delinquent From A Planet Near Mars', but it wasn't in the set this time. After encores they closed with a song by one of the best bands in the world, Crazy Cavan and the Rhythm Rockers' 'My Little Sister's Got A Motorbike'. What a perfect way to end a great night.

Two Patsy Walkers

And it sure was a great night. Organized just for the second time I have the feeling this will be a regular and popular event in Finland. It was well attended, a good mix of styles was presented and the place was great: Good sound and easy to access with public transportation(which means you don't need a car to get to the festival and get a hotel room because the event takes place in a hotel in a small town in the middle of nowhere, like so many other -billy events in this country).

 The Arkhams

First band were the Verticals, a Surf/Instro band from Lappeernranta, followed by Helsinki 6-piece all-female Garage band the Patsy Walkers who were all dressed as the 'Bride of Frankenstein'. Both bands were okay, but no really impressive or memorable in their styles of music. The festival's first Psychobilly band to play were the Arkhams from New York who put on a great show, bursting with energy. One of the hardest working bands of the scene was next, the Peacocks. As always they delivered value for money with a show full of energy, sweat, catchy tunes and rebellion: Singer Hasu smoked on stage and smoking inside buildings is forbidden in Finland! Closing the evening were the Polecats and as I just mentioned, they ROCKED the house!

 Peacocks

Polecats

Polecats