The Blanko was the band to kick-start the action on Sue Stage. The band fired solos, riffs and killer choruses at a fast pace but with a modern touch; parallels can be drawn from this Helsinki trio to bands such as Kingston Wall, Muse, and Led Zeppelin. Live performances are the ultimate test for bands and The Blanko certainly has nothing to be ashamed of in this area – the members of the band have developed a deep understanding of each other, witnessed by their seamless sound and fully-booked gig calendar. When the basics are there, the artists have an opportunity to express themselves creatively.
Guitarist and singer Pauli Hauta-Aho is already one of the foremost guitar players in Finland and a charismatic icon for the band. He plays with emotion but also with a twinkle in his eye. He is a prolific song writer and it surely is only a matter of time before his songs can be heard in other countries as well. Now, all there’s left to do is to eagerly wait for the Blanko’s debut album to come out later this year.
Ilosaarirock has been opened with a show worthy of 40 years of history. This is a great starting point for the rest of the day…
Veli-Matti Varis
Photograph: Tero Savolainen
Translation: Alma Tuominen
