This blogger has been writing about Haywalkers before, and I finally managed to catch them live during Kallio Block Party, a huge party with dozens of bands playing on three different stages and in clubs along one street in Kallio district in Helsinki for one day and night. Fredi (ESC 1967, 1974) was there, too, btw. He lead the opening parade singing his evergreen and Kallio's national anthem Kolmatta linjaa takaisin (translates freely to Walking back the 3rd street), and this year it was Kolmas linja (or 3rd street) hosting the event. Eva & Manu were there, too, let's get back to Haywalkers.
Their set of 12 original songs was very entertaining giving them all moments to shine. Having two lead singers, Risto and Henri, add to the whole as they also have a rather different voices while Semira and bassist Mikko sing backing vocals. Most of all they have a bonus the other remotely similar bands don't have: Semira. She may be tiny but she bangs those drums like there's no tomorrow (check The Snake for example). Besides she's the one who talks most between the songs in her witty and in-your-face way that comes across very likable and funny. Their songs include Crazy and When the war is over, that is their Youtube hit (they own words) and it's this bloggers favorite track from them. A poppy country tune that sounded great live! A lot sweeter than their other stuff but very nice indeed. Beforementioned The Snake is rather wonderful, too. This said by a non fan of instrumental music and those guitars are singing. Nothing like a good old "rautalanka" music in summer!
So, Haywalkers. I have three letters for you: UMK. (It surely didn't hurt Atletico Kumpula or Rautakoura.... ). Go for it!
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