While Finland’s alternative rock band FLAT EARTH is working on a sophomore album, they had some shows scheduled during spring, including a short European tour. Due to the sudden outbreak of COVID-19, these dates had to be postponed, but luckily for us, the band had managed to arrange a special streaming concert on 1 May 2020 at Tavastia in the heart of Helsinki.
Starting off their show with “None for One,” the band immediately showed how they have grown as a whole. The title track of their first album works really well as an opener due to its straightforward heaviness and immediately delivers the right energy to a virtual audience all over the world.
The band continued with “Subhuman,” the anthemic opener of their debut album and an upbeat song that feels invigorating and fun, something to brighten up the darkness in the darkest of times. About a month ago, FLAT EARTH released the first taste of their upcoming album, “Draining by your Flame,” a catchy melodic rock song that works very well live. It definitely sets high expectations for the upcoming album.
The quartet continued with fan-favorite “Cyanide,” which is most definitely going to be stuck in everyone’s head for a couple of days after the stream. The pace slows down for the groovier “Blame.” With its heavy chorus and great guitar work, this song too was born to become a crowd-pleaser and that’s also apparent in the band’s performance; fragile and yet dynamic, the band delivered a great version of the song.
When you hear singer Anttoni Pikkarainen‘s voice, it comes as no surprise that the band’s go-to cover song is NIRVANA‘s “School.” The band made the cover their own and managed to deliver a powerful rendition of the song. Unfortunately, all stories end and the band arrived at their last song on their much-too-short setlist, “Blunt,” a pleasing mid-tempo ballad that ended the night on a powerful note.
FLAT EARTH delivered a tight show in one of Helsinki’s most legendary venues. With a great and balanced sound and some great camera work, the production of this show was a great success. The only thing we could have hoped for was a longer set!
Written by Laureline Tilkin
Setlist
- None for One
- Subhuman
- Draining by your Flame
- Cyanide
- Blame
- School (Nirvana cover)
- Blunt
