Virta
Virta, Elia Lombardini
Virta, Elia Lombardini @ Tavastia, Helsinki, Finland, February 15, 2023,
February 19, 2024
Photo by Irina Shtreis (top photo)
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It begins with soft guitar strumming. Casual whistles add the romanticism of a French chanson, and as soon as the drums come in, it turns into a polyrhythmic, jazz-inspired shamanic session. Virta’s drummer Erik Fräki manipulates percussive elements in different areas. In addition to traditional snare drums and cymbals, there are also antique finds, including a bunch of tin spoons, a brass bell, and a bicycle bell. Each one adds a different tone to this kaleidoscopic world. A moment of spiritual tranquility is interrupted by the blow of a drumstick. The sound splash accelerates the vortex. The underwater flow of Heikki Selamo’s precision bass cuts through dense textures, and Antti Hevosmaa’s celestial vocals and glockenspiel-like sampler make his sound seem like it’s coming from the heavens.
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“Sinnen” is one of the songs on Virta’s third album. Holos. Each song symbolizes the band’s name. In Finnish, vata Translated as energy, flow, or electricity. Signed to Finland’s leading independent label Svart Records, the trio enjoys a cult following both in their home country and abroad. Their status at the venerable venue Tabastia is clear. The show will take place after Valentine’s Day, amid a strike affecting Helsinki’s public transport system (metros and trams do not run on this day, and bus services are limited). Still, the 700-capacity Tabastia is packed with fans. Some are wearing branded his Virta T-shirts. This year, the band was nominated for an Emma Award (Finland’s equivalent of the Grammy Awards) for Best Jazz Collective.
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On stage, Antti Hevosmaa (electronics, flugelhorn, trumpet, vocals), Erik Fräki (electronics, drums, percussion, vocals) and Heikki Selamo (bass, electronics, guitar, lap steel, vocals) are shrouded in darkness . The only source of light is the band’s own set, a wonderful installation by Jelle Suontausta, who is from his designer and visual artist of his art. Therefore, it is a hint for the time being. A huge foil screen can be seen behind the three people. The play of light turns the background into a moving version. Holos cover. The artwork reflects the key elements of music: movement, fluidity, and a constant flow of glowing energy. Hebosmer’s use of brass instruments, trumpets, and flugelhorns breathe life into the songs. In the last track “Aamu”, HolosThe musician plays a custom-built eclipse trumpet that, unlike any other instrument in this family, has a soft, velvety tone that sounds almost like the human voice.
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Similar anthropomorphic characteristics can be traced in the set of Finnish-Italian solo artist Elia Lombardini, who will be supporting Virta tonight. Lombardini conveys emotional complexity and contemplation through his multi-layered ethereal works, using multiple effects on his pedals, including his loop station on the violin and Bosch. Some suggest a core neoclassical approach, such as “Flowers of Life” from Lombardini’s latest album. In death and hunger for a thousand livesOthers bridge the sources as ostensibly distant Gregorian chants. phone– Sigur Ros of the era. Six of his seven songs exist only live and have never been recorded before. The breathtaking final “Endtro” begins with Elia’s vocals recorded through a condenser microphone fixed to a violin. The ring spreads out in space like ripples on the surface of water. Gradually evolves with multiple instrumental layers zooming out to a galactic scale. The circular neon decorations on the stage, designed by Sofia Parrillo, are reminiscent of a halo or a solar eclipse. Of course, this is just a metaphor, and the scenic elements are just props. Still, the sense of sublime that Virta and Lombardini evoke during this special show remains a lasting memory.