The fuse is burning!
It’s good for the soul to see Pelle Miljoona on stage even once in your life, and I decided the time for me was now, here in Ilosaarirock. I’m happy that I could see Pelle when he’s touring with his Pelle Miljoona Unabomber combo, as vigorous punk is always a good thing.
Unabomber consists of the guitarist Mela, the bassist Maria “Manta” Hänninen, and of course, Pelle Miljoona himself. The band seemed to be in a good mood, and the rigorous touring showed in the exact and smooth playing. Pelle was brimming with energy, even to the point that he was already starting on the next song when his band mates were only just tuning their instruments.
Pelle’s drumming behind his teeny weeny set was a true pleasure to witness. Punk and reggae fused together in his hands, while Mela blasted away in a regal power stance, chewing gum like he was member of Ramones. Manta, who has played in Pelle’s line-ups before, stole the thunder for a few songs when she took charge of the vocals during Lanka palaa (The fuse is burning) and Tahdon rakastella sinua (I want to make love to you).
In addition to Pelle’s immortal tracks, some newer Unabomber material was heard during the gig. Rinkkakansa (The backpack people), which makes gentle fun of the experience-seeking traveling youth, has such a high-sounding chorus that the song will probably stay Pelle’s song list for a long time.
The last song Väkivalta ja päihdeongelma (Violence and substance abuse) left the crowd satisfied after hearing the familiar songs delivered by the man himself. Fortunately, the audience’s good mood was in part generated by the strong new songs, which prove beyond a shadow of doubt the tenacious reggae punk rocker has still a lot to give.
Text: Juha Aalto
Pic: Mikael Wänskä
Translation: Jari Rytkönen