Helsinki Psych Fest, organized now for the sixth time, took place at the Playhouse Bar in Vallila, Helsinki. The three-day festival kicked off on Friday, May 3rd, 2024, and wrapped up on Sunday, May 5th, 2024. The first two days were mostly comprised of musical performances, even though there were some dance numbers as well, and an art exhibition lasting for the whole three days. On the festival’s final day on Sunday, however, the focus was on comics with some interesting comic artist interviews, and comic sales tables – not forgetting about music either.
Friday’s musical offering included six bands: PINK CHAMELEONS, SATORI SUN, THE HIGH TYDES, PIHKA IS MY NAME, and the evening-ending US. Of the first night’s bands, PINK CHAMELEONS had a more rough, garage edge to their music. SATORI SUN, on the other hand, was a delightful Americana-styled act. The band is a newcomer, but there were a lot of good vibes in their interaction on stage and some youthful energy bursting through, although the music was quite laid-back and relaxed. The sound would make one think of the likes of Tom Petty, for example. THE HIGH TYDES then had a sort of retro-psych-rock sound (think of some old British rock from the 60s, maybe). PIHKA IS MY NAME, on the other hand, is an energetic electric duo with a thought-through appearance and act. A good beat to dance to is always appreciated, but there’s more to this than just a beating drum and a bass; some catchy melodic lines that bring to mind computer game and movie music scores combined with lyrics with something serious to say too.
One just can’t stress enough how good a band US is right now. No wonder these R’n’B-punkers keep on touring the UK and have already been booked for Glastonbury this summer. The band plays super tight, fast, and accurate; the songs make you want to jump, and everything from the looks to the stage act has been honed to perfection. Now, the retro-music-and-paisley-shirts-thing might not be the most trendy choice nowadays, but if you want to see a band that gives out a world-class act every time, we recommend checking US out.
Check our photo gallery of the festival’s first day here…
Pink Chameleons
Satori Sun
Roihu
The High Tydes
Tamara & Jasmine
Pihka Is My Name
Us
Photos by Arto Alho
