Couple of gulls had wandered in to the tent at YleX Stage where Villa Nah was starting their set, probably lured in by their 80s synthesizer sounds. The gulls got a few laughs and smiles, but mostly the smiles were brought on by Villa Nah’s warm and fuzzy nostalgia.
Even if they’ve hopped on the nostalgia train, Villa Nah isn’t about shoulder pads and neon-coloured clothing. Today’s gig proved that the sound of the 80s still has a place in the here and now. On stage the duo Juho Paalosmaa and Tomi Hyyppä created electronic melodies which combined longing to the past and the optimism for the future. Especially in Paalosmaa’s vocals that certain yearning could heard distinctly.
Despite the fact that this kind of music could have been heard on Miami Vice, Villa Nah is very much rooted in the present. The audience seemed to think that as well, since they so enthusiastically danced to the synth pop tunes.
Text: Jarkko Böhm
Translation: Jari Rytkönen
Photo: Tuukka Pakarinen
