We reported on the subject of the “Long, Hot Summer” -festival (Pitkä Kuuma Kesä) during the summery month of June and now we had one of those highlights visit us again in our merry little corner of Europe. Former Million Dead -vocalist Frank Turner truly lit up the venue Tavastia on Monday and judging from the numbers, we loved it! Jaakko & Jay who have played throughout Turners European tour seemed thrilled with where they were in life, and so did Turner as he invited the Tampere-based duo on stage for the highlight of Photosynthesis.

Turners new release Poetry of the Deed from this fall, featured a backing band for the first time, in contrast from previous releases. Even as the jolly stage lions seemed nervous at first, it turned out to be such a great element added to the performance. The subtle and playful Turner was seen alone on stage during the summer, but this time around at Tavastia, the backing band did their thing, didn’t step on any of Turner’s big toes and the outcome was just magnificent.

The band brought a certain strength and novelty to the show, which would otherwise have been repetitive of the previous summers experiences. For example, the crews interpretation of the song Substitute was delightful, even as I had actually heard the story about the guitar stolen from the finnish city Porvoo. Even songs from Peotry of the Deed, especially Sons of Liberty were transformed on stage, with such strength and prowess that they really stood apart from previous solo -interpretations.

Even as the show was one of many and many accustomed manners were repetitions of previous shows, you can’t say the manners and habits are strictly a bad thing. Dan’s Song was brought to life as Joonas, picked straight out of the audience, complemented the interpretation with his harmonica solo. Unison was also a popular theme of the evening. At the end of the day, what was left on my mind were the accustomed habits on stage, as well as a new Rock n’ Roll Romance -song. Turner even performed an unreleased ballad alone, which undoubtedly was left lingering on many listeners skins as the most profound experience of the night.

Frank Turner & Joonas

Turners show, despite its many familiar motions, ended up being one of the most joyful live performances I have seen in Finland for a while. It didn’t top the performance from the summer past, but it did not disappoint either. Turner is a natural on stage and one of the most amusing folk-men on this earth.

I don’t doubt for a second that when he returns, he be greeted with the most loving of arms.